WHAT IS BELONG TO SONG?
Belong to Song is a weekly music session for those with lived experience of mental illness.
Each session is attended by participants in various stages of recovery and with a wide range of musical abilities. Supported by a peer facilitator and professional musician working together to engage participants in music making. All musical genres are welcome and appreciated.
-
Many participants share original songs, improvise with the band, or bring lyrics or melodies that facilitators help complete.
-
Everyone who wants to perform has an opportunity. Some participants come to play an instrument or sing, others just to listen.
Belong to Song participants come from CMHA Middlesex, My Sisters' Place, the Prevention & Early Intervention for Psychoses Program (PEPP), Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) Teams, Parkwood Institute Mental Health Care, and other mental health agencies in the London region.
An Introduction to Belong to Song
ATTENDING A SESSION
The program reduces stigma about mental illness, improves participants' self-esteem, and builds community through group music-making. Participants have opportunities to perform in the community several times a year, and many regularly socialize outside of the program.
SUPPORT THE PROGRAM
Originally founded and supported by London’s Mental Health Promotions Committee, Belong to Song is now a collaboration between the London Arts Council (providing program coordination, administration, and facilitation) and the Canadian Mental Health Association Middlesex (providing staff support as needed, program space, and client referrals).
Friends of Belong to Song
• Sue Brown •
• Frederic Laloux •
For more information about Belong to Song,
please contact Jeremy Jeresky
(Curator, Public Programs and Learning)
at jjeresky@londonarts.ca