2023 – 2025 West Yorkshire
As part of a Creative Care pilot scheme for the NHS I was an artist in residence in acute psychiatric wards in West Yorkshire. For up to 6 hours a day I played durational ambient live music as a way to engage service users (patients) and staff. I used a mixture of traditional and handmade instruments and an open low threshold approach to participation. This process informed the creation of a specially-designed accessible Ambient Music Board co-designed with participants, and an album of music inspired by my experiences.
Alongside I also undertook consultancy with a focus on men’s mental health and inclusive engagement. The outcome of this creative consultancy was a report presented back to leaders and staff involved in the Creative Care programme to inform the work they are delivering in the wards. They were also given their own Ambient Music Boards and I trained staff in how to use them including in wards with learning disabled service users.
Stream the album at: https://tinyurl.com/musicforpsychwards
Read an interview about the project for The Quietus here: https://thequietus.com/interviews/andy-abbott-music-for-psychiatric-wards-interview-adra/
Andy Abbott / ADRA Projects 