Special Needs And
Mental Health
‘’Davina is a good tutor engaging all the service users at their own level both in singing and musical instruments. All the service users enjoy her sessions and this is demonstrated by the amount of service users that attend. It started with 4-6 services users but has steadily increased to 20-30 service users , this is a testament to how enjoyable the activity is. Each lesson is evaluated by a participating member of staff , which changes from week to week. They have all marked Davina’s sessions 9 out of 10 and commented the benefits they have been for those participating . I would like to recommend that she be asked to continue in the future.’’
Staff, Hockley Skills and Development Centre
"Davina has a natural gift with working with individuals who have additional needs, her patience, humour and ability to involve all enable everyone to take part in the planned sessions. Individuals who attend the sessions have enjoyed “trying “ out new musical instruments and have really enjoyed making music with them! Fun and Laughter are key ingredients to Davina sessions and it has been a pleasure to work with her over the past few months."
Manager, Midland Mencap
"I absolutely loved (the music showcase). It was amazing to see what Davina has achieved. I think it can be difficult to get people to engage. Davina had the entire group participating fully. They were all focussed and fully engaged. Everyone had a part to play and joined in. It is hard work to get that level of group to contribute, and it came across as meaningful and incredibly well lead... It made me feel thrilled and happy to see such a great product... I have been amazed and very happy to see the full- on participation of service users, and the fact that she has done new things continuously, so people have not got bored."
Placement Officer, Midland Mencap
"I thought the Christmas Showcase was very good and everybody who took part seemed very enthusiastic and having fun. The group all supported each other and everybody was included... It made me feel happy because it was a great achievement for the people because they would never usually take part in a project on this scale and there was a great sense of pride and achievement from the individuals."
Hub Co-ordinator, Midland Mencap
Firstly I would like to express our thanks to Davina for directing the Woodside and Queens Cross Can Do choir. The group thoroughly enjoyed the sessions and the final event was one of the best I have organised . Over 70 people were in attendance and the comments regarding the songs and the entire arrangements were just wonderful. Davina worked with a group of people with disabilities who had very little signing experience and ability for 10 weeks with the purpose of a finale community performance. The rehearsal sessions included introducing the group to singing techniques, different music instruments, harmony and writing an original song.
When I first met the group I was told by their support worker that they would vote with their feet and I can say by week 10 not one person had quit the group. The group had various impairments including nonverbal communication and a signer. Some had good vocals and were confident about singing whilst others were at the other end of the scale. However Davina made sure everyone was involved and built their confidence to deliver the beautiful performance. We are very pleased that as result one person has joined a choir in his community and the day centre has also decided to keep the choir going.
Davina is very insightful of the needs and abilities of whom she works with and prepare well in advance of the sessions. She is knowledgeable of what will work and supported me very well to carry out the vision I had for the group.
Can Do Project Co-ordinator, Leonard Cheshire
"Davina has been working for Quench Arts since September 2015, as a shadow artist on our Wavelength creative music project, for young people aged 14-25 with mental health conditions. Davina has proven herself to be a real asset to our artistic team, not only with her musical skills (she’s a fantastic singer and ukulele player) but also in her dedication and commitment to the role. She has an excellent demeanour with participants, with lovely energy and positivity in regards to encouraging and developing the young musicians. Davina has excelled in the shadow role and is very reflective and able to take on feedback, whilst also showing good initiative as part of the team. As a result of the strength of Davina’s work, we have promoted her to lead artist role for some of the mini project activities in 2016 and look forward to seeing her continue to develop in future work with Quench Arts!"
Director, Quench Arts