HOMELESS, on probation and experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder – a Swansea man had hit rock bottom until music gave him hope.
Struggling with his confidence and low in mood; Mr G, as he refers to himself, started individual music therapy sessions when he was a resident at Ty Tom Jones, The Wallich’s hostel in Swansea for people experiencing homelessness – and the experience helped him rebuild.
In 2020, as part of their Covid-19 response strategy, Nordoff Robbins Music Therapy, the UK’s largest music therapy charity, funded an eight-week pilot project at a hostel for people experiencing homelessness in Swansea, in partnership with The Wallich, Wales’ leading homelessness and rough sleeping charity.
Following the success, and with the support of National Lottery funding, a Nordoff Robbins music therapist delivered ongoing weekly group and individual music therapy sessions during the pandemic to meet the increased need for support for people experiencing homelessness.
Mr G identified that music therapy had been highly supportive during his stay at the hostel for improving his confidence, reminding him of his creative potential, allowing him a break from negative thoughts, and giving him something meaningful to work towards.
He has chosen to continue attending sessions now that he has transitioned to more permanent accommodation, which has been enormously beneficial, allowing for his positive progress to be maintained at a pivotal time of change, and for Mr G’s confidence and creativity to grow and develop even further.
“At the start of the year I was on probation and I was advised to declare myself homeless so that the system could help me,” said Mr G.
“I was assigned temporary accommodation on the seafront in Swansea, where I was for two or three weeks. You have somewhere to sleep but you can't live there - you don't have a kitchen, and you can't eat in your room.
“You're seeing a way of life where people have been to prison and are involved in drugs and alcohol and all sorts - it's shocking - but they aren't getting the help they need either.
“I have faced abuse in my life and so suffer with PTSD. In terms of knocking your confidence, it was hard enough to be down on the seafront with no one I knew, and no one to properly help. I can now stand on my own feet in Ty Tom Jones, but I had to hit rock bottom before I could build myself up.”
Jo Humphreys, Nordoff Robbins Music Therapist at Ty Tom Jones; said: “It’s been amazing to see him thrive in music therapy despite all the challenges he’s faced. Our sessions have offered opportunities for him to feel listened to, valued and celebrated and seeing him connect with his musical potential and grow in confidence has been inspiring.”
“Music therapy can be life enhancing for so many people, including those experiencing homelessness and mental health challenges. Nordoff Robbins as a charity is able to supply subsidised services, but the grant from The National Lottery has been enormously helpful in allowing more people like Mr. G to benefit from music therapy.”
Strictly Come Dancing star Neil Jones, who struggled with homelessness as a teenager, is highlighting the incredible support National Lottery-funded homeless projects have provided to people all over the UK during the last 10 years.
The 31-year-old professional dancer is now a regular fixture on screens across the UK, but just a few years ago he was in a very different position and, for a brief time, he even found himself sleeping rough on the streets.
With Christmas fast approaching, Neil is helping to highlight the extensive funding and support The National Lottery has provided to homelessness projects over the last decade.
Since 2010, more than half a billion pounds (over £576 million) has been awarded to more than 3,000 projects that involve or support homeless people or help tackle homelessness throughout the UK.
Jones said: “With winter upon us and Christmas just around the corner, now is the perfect time of year to spare a thought for those who don’t have a home to go to or have somewhere safe, comfortable and warm to sleep over the festive period.
“It’s tough to think about the difficult things they’re going through at this time of year because it’s such a time of joy for most of us, but it’s important to recognise that there are so many people out there who really do need our help.
“Thankfully, there are countless incredible charities and organisations doing some really incredible work supporting homeless people across the UK with National Lottery funding.”
The National Lottery Community Fund, the largest funder of community activity in the UK, alone has awarded more than 600 grants worth around £80 million to projects that involve homeless people since the start of the Coronavirus pandemic.
David Knott, Chief Executive of The National Lottery Community Fund, said: “Thanks to National Lottery players, we are able to provide much-needed funding to incredible organisations that are making an important difference to people experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness.
“Whether supporting people experiencing homelessness to improve prospects for employment, supporting with mental health or providing a safe place where people can build their confidence and self-esteem, dedicated groups and their volunteers are working tirelessly with the homeless community, so that they are better able to overcome challenges and hopefully go on to prosper and thrive.”
Thanks to National Lottery players, more than £30 million goes to good causes across the UK every week, which in turn helps charities and organisations which support homeless people in our communities. To find out more about National Lottery funding go to www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk/funding.
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