Notts-wide project’s music workshop turns barriers into beats near Mansfield
A Nottinghamshire-wide research project exploring barriers to drug and alcohol treatment has launched a music workshop near Mansfield, using creativity and collaboration to give voice to lived experience.
Nottinghamshire's UNEARTHED project is gathering anonymous survey responses to better understand local views on substance use services and potential barriers.
The project is now running a free weekly music group, 'Rhythm of Recovery,' at The Recovery Space in Langwith on Portland Road.
The two-hour workshop takes place every Wednesday afternoon, 1-3pm, and invites participants to come together to write and shape a song inspired by themes emerging from the project’s survey, transforming real-life insights into lyrics and music.
No musical experience is needed to be part of the workshop, just a love of music and a willingness to take part and be present. The group is open, relaxed and supportive, offering a creative space where people can connect, reflect and express themselves.
Although the sessions are currently running temporarily as part of the research project until mid-February, members hope that the group, consisting of around 8-10 people each week, can continue as many are keen to make more music together.
Ben Sofield, recovery lead and project manager for The Recovery Space and Rhubarb Recovery at Rhubarb Farm, said: “It has been great to have this workshop running from the first week in January, a great way to return after the Christmas break!
“In just two weeks, we’ve already written a song together, bringing lived experience of recovery into music. It’s low pressure, just presence and good vibes. We offer a warm space of creative chaos. It is fantastic to see music bringing people together in this way.
“Teas, coffees and biscuits can be enjoyed as we sing, shape lyrics, and turn barriers into beats. It is a true testament to how this scoping exercise has grown.”
The UNEARTHED project is working across Nottinghamshire to identify unmet needs and better understand the obstacles people face when seeking support for drug and alcohol use.
Insights from the anonymous survey will help inform future service development and community responses. Findings will be documented in three short films, and all collated data will be compiled in an extensive report for Nottinghamshire County Council in March.
The survey is open to anyone living or working in Nottinghamshire and is entirely confidential.
Readers can follow the Unearthed project on Facebook at www.facebook.com/unearthednottinghamshire/.
To take part in this anonymous survey, visit: https://forms.office.com/e/y4fxZnp92J