First Music Therapy Project A Success, London's Barbican Centre Supports our Work
December 2023
First Music Therapy Project A Success, London’s Barbican Centre Supports Our Work
Beyond Conflict has successfully completed its first Music Therapy project for the Ukrainian Welcome Centre (UWC) in London. Today we publish the Impact Report which you can read in full here.
The London Barbican Centre showed its support for our work by donating thousands of pounds worth of free tickets to Christmas shows for the people who took part in the classes. The Barbican has donated complimentary tickets to Candlelit Carols as well as free entry to the Conservatory exhibition which currently features an installation from Indian artist Ranjani Shettar. Thank you Barbican!
HELPING REFUGEES AND FRONTLINE WORKERS
The project began this summer, running from August to mid-October at the UWC. It helped refugee visitors as well as frontline workers. The project was supervised by the head of music therapy at the Guildhall of Music and Drama Ann Sloboda, who gave up her free time to support us. She was assisted by our Ambassador Adrian Snell who is an experienced international music therapist as well as an acclaimed composer.
The project was led by Supakarn Nakavisut, a music therapy Masters student from Germany. Supakarn is an advocate for using music and the creative arts to strengthen communities and empower the individual. He has worked in Myanmar, Australia, Thailand, the UK, Nepal, Panama and Germany and works across cultures and beliefs, in line with our own ethos. He carried out the work with meticulous dedication, commitment and compassion. The Ukrainian national opera singer Maryana Bodnar also helped with some of the singing classes from Kyiv, which was an extraordinary bonus. Thank you all.
THANK YOU BARBICAN, THE UKRAINIAN CATHEDRAL AND SUPAKARN!
BC Executive Director and Co-Founder said:
“Thank you to all who made this project possible, especially the wonderful Supakarn. This was inspired by the Armistice Day concert for Ukraine in November 2022, led by our Ambassador Adrian. This project has shown, like the concert, how music can bring people together to heal, as well as giving joy. Beyond Conflict would also like to thank the London Barbican Centre for its very generous donation to all those who took part in the music therapy classes. What a kind Christmas present. Thank you also to our partners in this, the Ukrainian Welcome Centre and the Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral, as well as our dedicated supervisors Ann Sloboda and Adrian Snell.”
Supakarn said:
“It has been an incredible privilege not only to witness the reconstruction of hope within a disempowered community but also to facilitate the process and grow together. I feel honored to have experienced the beating heart of the Ukrainian people—a journey that has reinforced my belief in music as a unique phenomenon with inherent healing qualities for individuals and communities worldwide.”
“IT MADE US REALISE WE ARE NOT ALONE”
The UWC said it hoped to build on this experiences further. Hopefully this report can inspire other refugee centres around the UK to set up something similar. Beyond Conflict hopes to adopt this project in other parts of the world when the opportunity arises.
Here are a few quotes from people who took part:
“The sessions were healing to our souls. They distracted us from the reality of our country Ukraine and we managed to listen to our inner needs.” (Korobka)
“It made us realise we are not alone in feeling something. It helps and it is important to know what others feel too. It breaks down barriers.” (Alexandra)
“After the war started in Ukraine, I was so tense. This has been a great help to me physically and emotionally. The group was a space to breathe, share our worries but also share fun and laughter. I saw one lady crying with happiness in a session, she was so emotional and happy. I am now more aware of my stress. I can now manage my stress. It was 1000% worth it.” (Ohla)
You can support our work by donating to Beyond Conflict. Thank you to everyone who has helped make these projects possible via donations and voluntary work.
BEYOND CONFLICT TEAM
For more information please contact BC Director, Edna Fernandes on
00 44 797 1667553 or email at ednalouisa@gmail.com
Donate here!
BC is supporting reputable NGOs on the Ukraine border who are providing mental health assistance and aid to Ukrainian refugees. Please help by donating to Beyond Conflict here. We are a voluntary charity and 100% of your money will go to help those in need.
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