The London Symphony Orchestra (LSO) has teamed up with the Islington Music Forum (IMF) and Core Arts to stage ‘Encore’, an event showcasing music and drama created by mental health service users. (‘Encore’ is FREE and takes place at 7pm on Wednesday 29th August at LSO St. Luke’s).

The LSO – IMF partnership has already produced a box office hit in the award-winning musical ‘Sardines’, which sold out at Sadler’s Wells Theatre in 2006.  IMF, which is supported by Capital Volunteering, believes strongly in the ability of music to bring about positive change in people.  Its ‘Step-Up’ project (with LSO) is providing extraordinary opportunities for people with mental health issues to step forward with their ideas and engage creatively whilst reducing the negative images often associated with mental illness.
 
Aloyse Raptopoulos, who experiences Bi-polar affective disorder, volunteers with IMF.  She says, “Working in partnership with the LSO provides mental health service users with a forum to share their compositions and get their music played. They also get to experience being onstage and to practice their performance skills. Sometimes, a lack of confidence and low mood can get in the way of people’s participation, so I try and support them in engaging with the project more fully and to feel more included.

“Volunteering contributes a great deal to satisfying my musical aims and goals; it benefits my mental state and keeps me grounded.  I have now started my own business as a self-employed trainer & consultant in mental health which keeps me very busy – I often work a 60 hour week.  Volunteering with the IMF helps me cope. It anchors me, gives me breathing space, helps me keep the balance between my favourite hobby [music] and my work.”

Heading ‘Step-Up’ is Workshop Leader Paul Griffiths.  Paul says, “The LSO players are there to bring their knowledge and insight, to get stuck in to the creative flow and be the amazing players that they are. They are real – no airs and graces - just a dedication to making music with people who also want to make music.

“I get a real kick out of seeing the group working together, developing ideas and experiencing real personal achievements. It's not easy all the time; no band-type process ever is but there is respect, mutual support and a love of music so we always make music that is real and compelling.”

Entrance to ‘Encore’ is FREE – no tickets required.  The Event takes place at 7pm on Wednesday 29th August at LSO St. Luke’s, 161 Old Street, EC1V 9NG; Nearest underground: Old Street (Northern line) Exit 7. Buses: 55, 243, 43, 76, 141, 205, 214, 271

For further information on how volunteering is helping people to overcome mental health issues, visit the Capital Volunteering website at www.capitalvolunteering.org.uk

Further press information: Neil Manning, Capital Volunteering on 020 7520 8012 or Paul Donohoe, CSV on 020 7812 0037.

Note for editors

1. The Capital Volunteering programme aims to tackle issues of mental health and social inclusion, through volunteering.   Funded by the Treasury, through its Invest to Save Budget (ISB). Its lead partners are CSV and the London Development Centre.

2. CSV (Community Service Volunteers) creates opportunities for people to take an active part in the life of their communities through volunteering, training and community action. Last year 227,000 people gave 5 million hours of their time as volunteers through CSV. CSV trains 12,705 people of all ages. www.csv.org.uk

3. Islington Music Forum (IMF) is an arts and mental health charity providing music training and performance opportunities for the benefit of people with long term and enduring mental health problems. IMF offers a vital social framework supporting the self empowerment of beneficiaries through consultation, volunteering and mentorship. IMF promotes positive public awareness of mental health issues through live music events. www.imfmusic.org

4. Step-Up is a project under IMF’s pioneering volunteer programme Makin’ Tracks. Step-Up is a performance training programme aimed at preparing mental health services users for live music performances by developing their musical repertoire and the quality of their music performance.

5. Funding for IMF activity IMF gratefully acknowledges the support of Capital Volunteering, backed by volunteering charity CSV and the London Development Centre (LDC). Partner funders include Islington NHS Primary Care Trust and the Opportunities For Volunteers grant via the Department of Health.