K&C MH CARERS MONTHLY MEETING at The Meeting Room, Canalside House, Thursday 21st November 2013 18:00 - 21:00

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Please note that this month's carers meeting exceptionally will not be held at the Kensington Town Hall, but instead in the Meeting Room of Canalside House, 383 Ladbroke Grove, London W10 5AA. Time as usual 18:00-20:00.  (Nearest bus stop on Ladbroke Grove outside Sainsburys before Harrow Road, 2 minutes walk)

Carers will have the privilege to participate in a fun packed Calypso Music Workshop lead by UK's leading Calypso Monarch Alexander D Great. Alex will be facilitating a two hour Music for Well-being Workshop for Carers. The aim of the workshop is to provide participants with the opportunity to engage in, and enjoy the many benefits of music making. 

Alex will be using his extensive skill set to immerse participants in a semi structured fun activity that bridges the gap between formal music therapy and other unstructured / freestyle musical activities. The workshop will include elements of songwriting / composition, creating sound and using voice. It will also be particularly beneficial for those who have benefitted from music therapy in the past or have played an instrument in the past , for example. From learning an instrument, singing in a local choir, to creating and recording music, every person reacts to music, to sound. Music affects bodies, minds and feelings, it may even effect thought and emotion.

Music has been demonstrated to break down barriers of illness or disability and enable people to literally find a voice. When people are isolated by the effects of illness, disability or trauma, they often find it difficult to communicate or take part in everyday life. Music builds a bridge to social contact. It is now well established that there is a direct correlation between improved Health and Well-being and participation in musical activities.

Research also demonstrates that music-making can bring extraordinary changes and benefits to people with the following conditions:

* Autistic Spectrum Disorder

* Learning Disabilities

* Physical Impairment

* Sensory Impairment

* Difficulties with emotional or mental health and well-being

* Dementia and difficulties for the elderly

* Neurological disorder

* Cancer and other life-threatening conditions

A new genomics study published in Medical Science Monitor indicates that Recreational Music Making (RMM), a group music-based activity that focuses on personal expression and group support, rather than mastery and performance has been shown to have significant impact on the DNA level for individuals with cardiovascular disease. (April 2013)

MORE ABOUT THE FACILITATOR

Alexander D Great, Calypso, Poet, Teacher, Workshop Facilitator....Born in Port of Spain, Trinidad, Alexander grew up in London. A professional musician and composer for more than 30 years, he returned to his Calypso roots in the late 80's creating his own fusion of Calypso and Poetry, "Socablues". Alex divides his time between live performance, running his own small record label and doing poetry and calypso workshops in schools and colleges. Since February 2000 Calypsonian - in - Residence for the BBC for whom he regularly delivers renditions on matters of the moment. He was UK Calypso Monarch in 2010 and 2011.