Wayne is a former Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ patient who, after going through a very tough time, found himself hospitalised for 3 months. It was during his hospital stay that he rediscovered his love of music.
¡°I hadn¡¯t played the guitar for nearly 20 years, but over the past 7 months, I¡¯ve gotten back into it. When I was hospitalised, I happened to have my guitar with me, so I picked it up and I¡¯ve been playing ever since.¡± said Wayne.
Music therapy is an important part of the recovery process for many mental health patients at Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ, providing a focus, as well an outlet for creative expression.
¡°While I was in hospital, I was invited by Music therapist, Lani, to play in the GCUH music room, and I¡¯ve been coming weekly for the last couple of months. Lani helps so many people through music, it¡¯s amazing.
¡°Playing the guitar has given me a whole new lease on life. It¡¯s given me something to do and it¡¯s nice to do something that others can enjoy. Music is good for the soul."
Wayne is one of our artists performing at this year¡¯s held on Friday, 13 October 2023 in the Gold Coast University Hospital Parklands.
ArtBeat aims to de-stigmatise mental health by giving consumers a platform to express their experiences in their own way, offering a joyful space for the community to come together and have important conversations about mental health.
It¡¯s clear that Wayne wants to share his love of music with the community, and we're excited to see him take to the stage.
¡°At ArtBeat I¡¯m most looking forward making people happy with my music and enjoying myself too," said Wayne
¡°Hopefully some of the staff that looked after me on the wards will be there. I¡¯m a lot better than when they last seen me, so I¡¯d like to share that with them."