Bury Mental Health Patient Describes Power of Music in Recovery

Akin is a current service user at Cygnet Bury Hudson, which offers a medium and low secure service for men struggling with their mental health.

He was admitted to the Cygnet Health Care service after a difficult home life led to his mental health worsening to the point he stopped taking his medication and started hallucinating. He ended up at his local A&E after having a breakdown.

At the Cygnet hospital, he was introduced to the Recovery College programme where he was able to learn English and Maths skills, as well as being placed onto a music production course.

He said: “Writing is really important to me because it’s my safe and happy zone. Coming to Cygnet has enabled me to relearn skills and perfect my craft when it comes to music. I’ve not been this well in years and it’s all thanks to Cygnet and the staff that work here.

“Music is a fun place to be in. I find it breath-taking. Music has an impact on how I’m feeling, it brings me happiness. Whenever I listen to music, I’m in my happy place.”

Akin works closely with Ajibola Peters, a Digital Media Technical Instructor at the hospital. Together, they listen to different types of music and beats, and when inspiration strikes, they put pen to paper and write a song.

Ajibola explained: “When I first met Akin, he was very shy, timid, spoke in a low voice and he wouldn’t make eye contact.

“He can express himself a lot better now he’s chasing his passion and is able to do the things he has in his mind. Music means a lot to him.”

James Dearden, Patient Engagement Lead, said the difference in Akin is remarkable.

He explained: “It is always useful when you can find topics in common with patients to engage with them on a better level. We quickly found out Akin’s was music. You can really see the change in him from the work he has done with us.

“He used to be anxious and shy. He opens up more now and will more readily come for support and talk things out.”

Music 2 Empower is an initiative Cygnet Health Care originally launched in October 2019 and aims to harness the positive effects of music across our services.