Victims of domestic abuse in Barnsley are receiving therapeutic music sessions after funding received from the Stronger Together Community Grant Scheme.

Qdos Creates were successful in securing a grant of £600 to provide music sessions to residents of Judith House – a refuge for women who have left their homes in order to escape domestic abuse.

The funding provided a six week arts based confidence programme called ‘Believe in Yourself’. The project engaged with 15 women and 19 children.

The funding was from the grant scheme partnership between the South Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner, Dr Alan Billings and the Barnsley Chronicle.

Dr Billings said: “The women involved in the ‘Believe in Yourself’ project will have left some terrible circumstances behind them and found help and support at Judith House.

“The opportunity to get involved in therapeutic music workshops will help them rebuild their lives by allowing them to express their thoughts and emotions through music.

“Music works in many ways to help a person feel better about themselves, explore their own experiences and share them with others in the group.”

Qdos Creates offer opportunities for vulnerable people who have left their homes as a result of domestic abuse.

Workshop Leader Susan Donnelly said: “The music sessions with the refuge offer a creative outlet for the women and their children in which they can meet others, have fun and explore their experiences through song writing.

“The women say that singing helps them relax and lifts their mood, whilst also allowing others to bond with their children in some very difficult circumstances.

“Residents at Judith House have previously taken part in a summer outdoor music festival and picnic and performed in Christmas concerts.”

If anyone would like more information on music therapy and how to access the services from QDOS Creates you can visit their website http://www.qdoscreates.com/index.html or if you are interested in developing a community arts project with Qdos Creates please email [email protected]

The Stronger Together grant scheme is now open for applications from non profit organisations in Barnsley.  You can find out more information here – https://www.barnsleychronicle.com/strongertogether