Music Beats Stigma

Posted by See Me, 11 May 2017

Musicians from across Edinburgh are coming together on Saturday for a ‘Mad Jammers’ night, as part of Mental Health Awareness Week.

The Mad Jam group has been set up by people with experience of mental health conditions, to help express themselves in a different way and provide a place where people can get together.

It was created with the help of local advocacy service CAPS last year and they now have their own house band, the Mad Jammers.

They run a monthly meet up and during each session have open mic performances. On Saturday around ten acts will be performing at the event, at Augustine United Church on George IV Bridge.

John Sawkins, one of the groups organisers, said: “People have a safe space, based on mutual respect and behaviour. It gets people out of their isolation in their homes and encourages networking. It boosts confidence by allowing people to perform, but only if they feel up to it. It makes them feel good about themselves.”

Calum Irving, See Me director, said: “The theme for this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week is surviving and thriving.

“Too many people who experience difficulties with their mental health are not able to thrive and live fulfilled lives.

“However having groups like Mad Jammers allows people to come together and see that it is okay to not always be okay, and that you are not alone.”

The event on Saturday will begin at 7.30pm.