Words by Smiley Team
A disability nightclub is just one of the ways an Essex-based charity is bringing the joy of music to more people.
Together in Musical Expression (TIME) was founded by Marc Barnacle. The charity has one important philosophy: that everyone has their own unique stamp to leave on the music world – no matter their age, background, or ability.
TIME hosts a range of music-based workshop exercises including therapeutic and sensory-based relaxation sessions, songwriting workshops, instrument tuition and broader workshops that have seen attendees develop musical skills, confidence, and motor and speech development.
“We regularly meet individuals who are non-verbal, or struggle to communicate their feelings to friends and family," say the founders. “But once an instrument is placed in front of them, they suddenly acquire a whole range of moods and emotions to share with the world.
"It’s this ability to communicate and express, which music enables, that excites us, provides that elating feeling, and drives us forward.”
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Headed by founder Marc Barnacle, Mike Barnes, and Rob Fillary, the charity’s team has its roots firmly in the world of music and community outreach.
Continuing this work has seen TIME use music to assist in the SEN and mainstream education sectors, care homes, drug and alcohol rehabilitation, and mental health aid.
Last year, the charity paired with revolutionary audio-visual artists Strange Pill to create a pop-up space that invited members of the community to create their own music to be put online in an interactive exhibition – The Basildon Audio Visual Music Machine.
TIME and Strange Pill are now working on a new global exhibition with a permanent online installation that will allow users to curate their own musical loops made by those the charity has worked with.
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Their disability nightclub, which attracts attendees from all over Essex, has become an essential social gathering for many, taking place every Monday between 6 and 8pm.
Gary is someone who has been working with TIME over the past seven years, and staff have seen huge shifts in his confidence and overall wellbeing, due to the music sessions.
He leads his own rock band, called ‘Caged Arts’, which regularly plays shows through Essex and London, most recently playing at the ‘Autisms got Talent’ in London’s Mermaid theatre.
You can find out more about TIME’s work on its website. Or, donate to help them continue serving their mission for those in need.
