How the Friends of Music Society helps boost mental health
The Friends of Music Society drum group sits in a circle, making music and building connection and community with each beat.
“I was really happy to join their choir because I was feeling isolated,” says Friends of Music Society participant and volunteer Terri Beaton. “And then it was so cool, I did some volunteering for them.”
“It seems to be like a therapy for me,” adds participant Raymond Sielecki.
That’s exactly why the non-profit was started 35 years ago, to help people living with mental health challenges.
“I think it’s really important to have a place where people can connect with other people and emphasize their abilities and strengths,” explains Friends of Music Society executive director Janet Pryer.
“Music helped me a great deal and I enjoy it so much,” adds Ken Beattie, one of the founding members of Friends of Music. “When I started, I played my accordion here on the stage. I was the only musician, and eventually the Mood Swing Orchestra got formed.”
There are now 14 different musical groups and four of those groups helped to cheer on Royal Victoria Marathon participants.
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“Music is kind of great (common) denominator that can provide a lot of support for people emotionally and it really is something that brings a lot of people together,” says volunteer board president Nathan Michaels.
In addition to the uplifting race course encouragement, Friends of Music is also one of this year’s CHEK Charity Pledge partners, and it’s not too late to make a donation.
“We just thought it was a really great opportunity to let more people know about Friends of Music so that they can join us,” Janet says.
For those who take part, either as a volunteer or participant, it’s often a life-changing experience.
“Knowing that you’re just doing something for the community that has that potential — it does help a lot of people — and then having the potential to help even more people in a way that is very impactful,” Nathan says.
“I get really excited about it,” Terri says. “It just makes me a lot more both happy from the music, but also the connection to the people, and that’s what I was needing — connection.”
