Photograph: L-R Tina Bixby (ELFT Charity), Eesha Suhail, Karen Daley and Mahika Bhargava with singer LaBoni Barua
Professional Bangladeshi singer, LaBoni Barua, performed a range of classical and modern folk songs which got people clapping and on their feet. Inpatients and staff got into the spirit of things, shaking percussion instruments to the beat of the music and whirling scarfs around.
Bengali attendees had a trip down memory lane recalling songs from their parent’s and grandparent’s times, as well as more contemporary hits played often at weddings and celebrations. It was interesting to see that many non-Bangladeshi staff were word perfect on some of the songs through hearing them played on the wards! The event ended with a popular request for ‘Where’s the party tonight!’
Music Therapist, Karen Daley, and her colleagues put on a wonderful south Asian spread including herbal teas, onion bhaji, savoury snacks, cakes and biscuits.Karen said, "These therapeutic and community-based events offer more than a change of routine. They give people an opportunity to come away from the ward, connect with others and take part in a positive shared experience. Even in the midst of a mental health episode, moments of creativity, enjoyment and social connection can lighten the load, lift the spirits and support recovery.”
The feedback from attendees was very positive.
One said, “I loved the songs and the atmosphere, and enjoyed the food and the dancing. It has really helped me to unwind.”
Another said, “It has been fantastic. I liked the Bollywood touch.”
Another, “My sincerest thanks for organising this memorable event.”
Heritage Tree: Attendees stuck flags to indicate their homeland or place they loved.
The event was supported by the ELFT Charity via its Moments of Joy fund. This is a fund that staff can apply to improve the wellbein
g of patients and service users.