A singing-for-health group, Voice of Hope, run by the Wellness Recovery Network within the South Eastern Trust has launched a new CD ‘Turn the Key’ inspired by members’ personal journeys of mental health recovery.
The Voice of Hope singing group has empowered individuals to rebuild confidence, rediscover their voices and reconnect with others through the shared joy of music, with participants experiencing positive impacts on their overall mental health and wellbeing.
Their new album, ‘Turn the Key’, features original songs inspired by local landscapes and lived experience, giving voice to those who have walked the path of recovery. The songs reflect resilience, community and the belief that everyone has the power to “turn the key” and change the direction of their lives.
The dedication shown by group members throughout the project was evident in the growth of their musical skills, confidence and recovery journeys. For many involved in the group, the experience of recording the CD proved truly life-changing.
Over the years, Voice of Hope has performed at events across the Trust, promoting messages of hope, recovery and connection. The CD launch marked the next step in the group’s development and demonstrates the power of creative arts in supporting mental wellbeing.
The Wellness Recovery Network delivers creative and support programmes across the South Eastern Trust and has been working in partnership with The Right Key CIC, specialists in singing for health workshops.
One group member, Anuk Rooney from Bangor, whose life has been transformed through the singing group, returned to her love of piano by recording on an original track titled ‘Song of Hope’, which features on the album.
Speaking about her experience, Anuk said, “Being part of Voice of Hope has helped me reconnect with music and with myself. Being part of the creation of Song of Hope was incredibly meaningful and reminded me that recovery is possible.”
Wellness Recovery Network Co-ordinator, Angela O’Hara was delighted to see the hard work of the group come together in an album. Angela commented, “The launch was a celebration of an incredible achievement and it was a very uplifting and hopeful afternoon. The group performed songs from the album live and shared recovery stories that were truly inspiring.
“Many of these journeys began with feelings of brokenness. Through the Wellness Recovery Network and singing together, members have built support systems, routine and a renewed sense of identity. Having their voices immortalised on a CD really demonstrates the power of creativity and connection and the launch showcased these remarkable people.”
The CD project was made possible through a strong collaboration between the South Eastern Trust, The Right Key CIC and the Arts Council, with special thanks to Sheila Smyth who wrote the original pieces with the help of the Voice of Hope group, Artist and Composer N.B.S and Steve Plews from ASC Records.
The CD is priced at £10 and copies can be requested by contacting wellnessrecoverynetwork@setrust.hscni.net or (07713) 088 676.
The Voice of Hope group is open to anyone aged 18 and over and runs on Monday afternoons at Action Mental Health in Newtownards. Individuals can self-refer by emailing wellnessrecoverynetwork@setrust.hscni.net or calling (07713) 088 676.