Annual report 2023/24: Gordon’s story

Gordon, from Fife, was struggling with depression. He hadn’t spoken a word to anyone for quite some time, and combined with the family issues he was dealing with, he had started to think that life was worthless.

“I wasn’t coping. My life seemed to be going nowhere and I didn’t know what to do about it,” says Gordon. “My sons had moved away from Fife so I hardly saw them. I’ve been a carer for my mum for the last 15 years and things were getting on top of me. I wanted to get out into the community to speak to people and make new friends, but I didn’t know where to begin.”

Gordon was put in touch with The Friendship Cabin, a community group based in Glenrothes that helps to improve the independence and quality of life of local residents.

“It was hard work for the first few weeks and I didn’t think it was for me. I didn’t feel I was fitting in with people and it was a real struggle. But I decided to keep at it. I started getting involved, chatting to people at the group, which was a big change for me. But the biggest improvement happened when Music in Hospitals & Care’s musician David Hood visited the group and I really enjoyed it. It brought back happy childhood memories and it really lifted my spirits. I’m a different person today thanks to the music.”

“I used to play the accordion when I was younger and played the drums in a band, so I can keep a beat. David really helped to bring me out of myself and I found that being there, singing and dancing with everyone, was so good for my mental health. It calms me down. The music has really helped me to forget my worries and cope much better. It brought back my confidence and really improved my mood. It has changed my life. My mum even comes along to The Friendship Cabin once a week now and enjoys the music too.”