My work with the Connecting Carers groups was simple. I attended the groups armed with only pen and paper, I brought my guitar but mostly kept it in its case. I engaged the group in conversation, not leading and taking over the sessions but just joining in, maybe doing a sketch or two of my own and letting their conversation unfold as it normally would and then when everyone was relaxed and not wary of the “musician who has coming to write a song with you!” I introduced my prompt

 “what helps get you out of bed?”

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This was the pin to centre the conversation around and when, as conversation does, it flowed into other topics I could use that question to steer us back. I made notes, wrote down quotes and above all else listened. I love how for some the immediate response was positive, “the sun” “the smell of coffee my partner’s making” but for others it was more plain and factual, “responsibility” “the alarm clock.” The facilitators and I held space for any tough emotions or experiences that came up but that vulnerability was the real challenges that people face and so needed to be captured too, with careful handling of course.

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Over the 6 sessions I had wonderful conversations with the brilliant participants, hearing their experiences, also taking note of the styles of music they like or dislike so I can make sure the genre of the song is amenable to the collective. Then when all 6 sessions were done I sat with my notes spread out and pieced those feelings, the quotes and the experiences together into the song, paying critical attention to involving each group’s points and doing my best to reflect life in an authentic, engaging and uplifting way.

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I’m really proud of the song and very grateful to all the participants for their openness and their willingness to share their experiences.