Melodies of inspiration: Empowering through music
Since May last year, Persons-in-Recovery (PIR), peer support workers, hospital volunteers and healthcare workers of Kwai Chung Hospital (KCH) have formed a band called ‘Music Buddies’ to perform classic pop songs for inpatients in regular mini concerts at the Patient Resource and Social Centre. Its 10th concert was held earlier this month.
“We wish to help patients who have lost their confidence or interest in their passions because of the illnesses to find strength and hope in music, and to provide opportunities for discharged PIR to showcase their talents.” Yeung Ka-lok (below photo), Registered Nurse (Psychiatric), explained the rationale behind the project. “Anyone can shine, as long as they find the right place. I love the lyrics of the song ‘Stars’, and I hope to encourage patients to keep trying and not to hide themselves. Drugs can alleviate symptoms, but we believe this project can help patients regain their passions and achieve holistic care.”
Everyone enjoyed immersing themselves in the music for an hour and a half. PIR sang to express their gratitude to the healthcare workers who had taken care of them on the wards; for inpatients, the specially designed lighting and stage sound effects brought a pleasant surprise to the monotonous daily routine of hospitalisation; and healthcare colleagues, the Hospital Chief Executive, and members of the Hospital Governing Committee all jammed in music and banded together, enjoying an afternoon full of positive energy.
Yeung recalls that there were many challenges in organising the concert, such as the design of the Centre was not intended for performance purposes, and there had been a shortage of musical instruments. “Fortunately, many of our colleagues are music enthusiasts and we have a lot of friends who share the same interests. Later on, we have been given musical instruments such as guitars and drums, and gradually improved the concert equipment,” Yeung says. “We are very encouraged by the kindness. It also reminds the patients that they are not alone, and that there is a supportive and caring community behind.”
The band members are looking forward to the completion of the redevelopment of KCH, which will provide more space for concerts. “By then, our colleagues will be able to bring their lunch and enjoy music with us in the garden. I believe it will have a good vibe,” says Yeung.