Music Therapy
Harold’s Story and Music Therapy
“When the music starts playing, I get on the mic start rhyming…” … and he does!
Before arriving in London, Harold was a regular performer with the local sound systems of Jamaica. Since starting at Headway five years ago he has increasingly become part of, and contributed to, musical life at the centre, from solo performances in the annual cabaret, to spontaneously rapping along to songs with the Monday afternoon open music group.
Harold’s injury was the result of an assault in 2000, leaving him with long-term language difficulties, memory and cognitive impairments, and loss of right arm and hand use. Following this he also experienced homelessness, an experience that he has described as “very disturbing”. Through all of these traumas, music has clearly provided a vital thread of comfort, support and inspiration for Harold and, more importantly, has helped him maintain and develop a sense of identity.
“Through my condition sometimes my brain is up and then down and sometimes I don’t remember things. Music takes away stress, it helps me to express different things and it helps to get back my senses in certain ways. Without Headway I wouldn’t experience being around these things [instruments], it brings my knowledge back. Music makes me feel like somebody special and helps me to help others feel good“.
Music Group session with Alex
As music therapist, Alex works with individuals, small and large groups. Sessions may involve improvising music, playing familiar songs, or song writing and recording. Participating in music therapy can be beneficial physically, psychologically and emotionally, with participants taking on meaningful roles and actively contributing to a developing musical dialogue. As is the case for many others with a head injury, Harold struggles to find order and cohesion in his life now. Through attending regular music therapy sessions at Headway, Harold has found a way to effectively communicate and express himself, his feelings, thoughts and ambitions.
“My Life has changed and my friends have gone but I’ve still got the music in me”
- Alex Street (Headway East London Music Therapist) and Harold Lindo
Headway UK