For Gaynor, playing the saxophone again has brought a renewed sense of purpose after years of managing schizophrenia.
Once an active performer with bands in Bournemouth, Gaynor had stopped playing after her diagnosis.
However, she has since joined an initiative aimed at helping individuals navigating mental health challenges regain confidence through music.
Gaynor is now part of a music group set up by occupational therapists and is preparing to perform an original song, Feeling Good Today, with the band at Absolute Music Trust.
“I feel like I’ve got a tiny part of my life back,” she said.
The initiative, established by the Dorset Community Foundation, has been running for over a year and is designed to offer a supportive environment for people with mental health conditions.
The goal is for the group to eventually perform for an audience, and Gaynor’s upcoming performance marks an important milestone.
Occupational therapist Lorna Farmer came up with the idea for the group after recognizing that many patients in her outreach program expressed a desire to engage with music as a meaningful occupation.
“There was nothing out there for them that they could engage with, so we decided to do something about it,” Ms. Farmer explained.
Partnering with Absolute Music, a Bournemouth-based venue offering musical opportunities, Ms. Farmer and her team spoke to service users until they had enough interest to start the group.
For Gaynor, who hadn’t played the saxophone in 10 years due to her illness, joining the group has provided a “reconnection” to music and a sense of hope for the future.
“It gets me out, gets me focused, gives me something to look forward to,” she shared. “Now I’ve picked it up again, I feel like I’ve got a little tiny part of my life back.”
The group, which has helped its members build confidence and overcome isolation, will perform their song at Absolute Music on 11 December.
Ms. Farmer expressed excitement for the band, noting their growth in confidence and teamwork. “It’s massive for them,” she said, “and I’m really excited for them.”
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