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Since 2009, Mayo Artsquad has facilitated participatory music sessions in the acute mental health unit at Mayo General Hospital. In 2012, the music programme expanded to the long-stay unit. The aim of this programme is to create an open and supportive environment for participants to play instruments, sing songs, dance and listen to music sessions.
The music programme at Mayo General Hospital takes place once a week in the acute mental health unit and the long-stay unit. Participants have access to a hospital instrument bank together with instruments brought by Artsquad facilitators. Participants are encouraged to suggest song selections and have the opportunity to lead the group in song if they wish to do so. There has been a great response from healthcare staff to the programme and many of them participate in the music-making.
For Christmas 2012, the Artsquad musicians recorded a CD for participants, family and staff of the long-stay unit.
Mayo Artsquad is a community arts project sponsored by Mayo County Council Arts Office. Mayo Artsquad works with schools, local communities, festivals, healthcare providers and disability organisations throughout County Mayo. Artsquad music facilitators are experienced musicians with training in community project work.
For more information on the music programme at Mayo General Hospital please contact Mick Smyth, Project Manager of Mayo Artsquad: masq@iol.ie
