Initiated by Flourish Australia peer worker and Nowra resident John Willans, the jamming initiative uses music as a creative outlet, and also encourages people who are isolated to form better social connections.

A mechanic by trade and living with bipolar disorder, John has frequently turned to guitar and drums over the years to express himself and find senses of meaning and achievement.

John is now a qualified peer worker, with the role of helping people with mental illness to recovery through his own personal experiences. 

To do this, John is drawing on the magic of music as a healing quality. He has invited people with mental health issues to ‘jam’ on a regular basis at Flourish Australia’s headquarters in Nowra.

“We’re looking for people with mental health issues or an interest in mental health to come along and have some jamming fun,” John said. 

“You don’t have to be Elvis or Beethoven - in fact this could be your very first attempt at music.”

John said the sessions would have no set agenda, and that participants would feel their way through the music to see what worked best.

“It’s sometimes incredible what can be produced through music when strangers gather and combine their ideas and talents - the results can be incredibly uplifting,” he said. 

“Music has got me through some of the darkest times, so I can vouch first-hand about the value of music as a healing medium.”

Flourish Australia Nowra manager Helen Backhouse said artistic pursuits were well known keys to mental health recovery.

“We often encourage people with severe mental health issues to turn to pursuits such as music and art as part of their recovery journey,” she said.

“It’s not just the immersion in creative activity that helps, but also the ability to mix with others along the way. Such social interaction is vital.”

It’s hoped that the jamming sessions can be held on a monthly session once more interested participants are identified.