The power of music and its ability to bring people together was in full swing at Comber Community Centre as the South Eastern Trust’s GP Multi-Disciplinary Social Work Team welcomed local musician Conal Montgomery for a morning session of classic songs and even an impromptu bag pipe display.
As Conal entertained those in attendance with rousing renditions of the Neil Diamond classic ‘Sweet Caroline’ and John Denver’s ‘Country Road’, Ann Halliday shared how she was invited along by GP MDT Social Work Assistant Heidi Aiston and that is was, “Lovely to be in company.”
“The music session is a lovely way to meet other people and make connections. I have found the morning very, very relaxing and it is good for your mental health getting out of the house and getting to know people.”
Ann added how her advice to those who are keen to get out of the house and meet others is, “Get out of your arm chairs and to come along and meet other people and just enjoy the company and enjoy life!.”
South Eastern Trust Social Work Assistant, Heidi Aiston explained how much those who attended enjoyed the morning. “We were delighted to welcome Conal here with us as he has been quite open about his own mental health struggles. We wanted to bring in patients from the area who could be suffering from social isolation, who have their own mental health issues.
“Putting on events such as the music morning is a chance for our patients, our Comber residents to come along and make those connections and share what services, what events we offer.
“It has been a really nice, uplifting event and we are delighted it went so well. It has been a real positive for our patients to look back on and remember.”