Darlington’s project, which aims to improve mental health and wellbeing through singing, songwriting and music production, will continue for a further two years after securing funding from the National Lottery.
The Music Mind Initiative was founded in 2022 by Darlington singer-songwriter and vocal coach Hayley McKay. Hayley McKay announced “great news” to the project participants in his link live from America, where he is currently on tour.
Haley founded Music Mind to create an environment where adults can come together weekly to make new friends and experience health and well-being through music.
The first year of sessions, held at Forum Music Studios in Darlington, was funded as part of the Happiness Hub Fund and supported by the team there. The team provided free hot drinks and sandwiches to everyone at every session.
Alison McKay, Managing Director of The Forum, said: “We were overwhelmed by the number of people from different backgrounds who attended the sessions.
“The most common themes were social isolation and mental health issues, but also included people who just wanted to sing or perform musicals in a relaxed environment.
“Music Minds has been such a success that the Forum will continue to support the program when funding runs out in November 2023, with continued support from Creative Darlington and Darlington for Culture until January. I did.”
He added: “Haley was key to making sure everyone felt welcome, relaxed and free to be creative.
“This is a safe, collegial space where it’s not about talent, performance or forming the next band, it’s just about having fun, collaborating through music and improving lives.”
Haley and her partner, musician David Neil Crabtree, are currently on a three-month tour of the United States.
Hayley, pictured performing at the Forum Music Center in Darlington, is currently touring the US (Image: Hayley McKay)
While they were away, Alison offered the Forum’s facilities to Music Mind so the group could continue to meet until Haley returned. More than 30 regular participants still meet there weekly.
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Before Hayley left, she had hoped to secure funding so Music Mind could return to Darlington at the end of April to continue – and this week the good news arrived.
Alison said: “I received a letter from the National Lottery saying they would fully support Music Minds to continue for a further two years once Hayley returns.”
Haley was able to deliver the news herself in an online session, much to the delight of forum attendees from her US base.
