Belong to Song
Donation protected
Belong to Song is a weekly drop in jam session in London, Ontario, Canada, every Thursday from 1pm- 3pm at My Sisters' Place for those with lived experience of mental illness. Program facilitators ensure that everyone who wants to perform has an opportunity. Some participants come to listen, others to play an instrument or sing. With snacks and refreshments, the atmosphere feels like a good kitchen party.
Belong To Song raises their own funds and has also been financially supported by the London Mental Health Promotions Committee for over five years. BTS is run by community volunteers.
Participants come from CMHA London-Middlesex, My Sisters' Place, PEPP, Parkwood Institute's Mental Health Care Building, and other mental health agencies in the London region. Attendance continues to grow and we are fundraising to expand the program.
Some singers come with original lyrics and melodies, and instrumentalists at the program create background music for their songs. Several times a year, participants have opportunities to perform in the community. Many participants who meet at the program regularly socialize outside of the program. Beyond the social connections created, playing and listening to music is good for the brain. Belong to Song improves self esteem, reduces stigma about mental illmess and builds community through group music making.
Money raised in this ongoing GoFundMe campaign will go towards:
creating a professional program video
recording projects, particularly of participants’ original songs
honorariums for peer facilitators
1:1 musical support and mentoring of participants by professional musicians
support for instrument maintenance for participants who otherwise couldn't afford it
the development of an instrument lending library
purchase of weekly snacks & beverages
more info at
www.mentalhealthpromotions.com/belong_to_song
Belong To Song raises their own funds and has also been financially supported by the London Mental Health Promotions Committee for over five years. BTS is run by community volunteers.
Participants come from CMHA London-Middlesex, My Sisters' Place, PEPP, Parkwood Institute's Mental Health Care Building, and other mental health agencies in the London region. Attendance continues to grow and we are fundraising to expand the program.
Some singers come with original lyrics and melodies, and instrumentalists at the program create background music for their songs. Several times a year, participants have opportunities to perform in the community. Many participants who meet at the program regularly socialize outside of the program. Beyond the social connections created, playing and listening to music is good for the brain. Belong to Song improves self esteem, reduces stigma about mental illmess and builds community through group music making.
Money raised in this ongoing GoFundMe campaign will go towards:
creating a professional program video
recording projects, particularly of participants’ original songs
honorariums for peer facilitators
1:1 musical support and mentoring of participants by professional musicians
support for instrument maintenance for participants who otherwise couldn't afford it
the development of an instrument lending library
purchase of weekly snacks & beverages
more info at
www.mentalhealthpromotions.com/belong_to_song
Organizer
Catherine McInnes
Organizer
London, ON