The Cyber Saints studio is not only a place where service users can go to record songs, but to learn new skills such as music production, playing instruments and build confidence.
Rob, a service user at the hospital who has a background in music production, co-led the studio project alongside Laura Baker, Head of Occupational Therapy.
Talking about the experience of setting up the studio, Rob said, “It’s been a learning curve. I’m totally flabbergasted by the amount of appreciation and support I have got from the hospital and the managers. It’s gone exceedingly well.”
Laura said, “In terms of meaningful activity, music is one of the most powerful things that people engage in.
“For Rob, he’s made comments before about the meaning it has in his life and how it’s been really helpful in terms of his mental health. At points in his life it’s been the only thing that’s kept him going. I know lots of people will relate to that.”
The vision for the Cyber Saints studio became a reality with support from Suzie Adam, Hospital Manager, who was committed to developing the studio for the benefit of the service users.
Suzie said, “I was led by Laura and the service user group as they are the ones that have the expertise in the field of music and music therapy. On the day of the launch I felt quite emotional. It was fantastic to see people singing, ad-libbing and preparing songs. It’s exceeded all expectations!”
The Cyber Saints studio is a great example of co-production and how service users can work alongside management to create innovative and recovery oriented practices within services.
Community engagement was also crucial throughout the project, including working with a local graffiti artist to help co-produce the design of the studio alongside service users.
Watch the journey in the video below.