Soldier Songs, a program developed in the US by father and son musicians Kevin and Dustin Welch is now helping defence force serving and ex-serving men and women in Noosa heal from trauma through music.
National program director Tasha Lawton said the program was initiated after Kevin discovered how much veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury improved.
“He could see an improvement in their mental capacity. They came off medication and were less violent,” she said. “They were telling stories through songs and starting to heal.”
The program, run by volunteer instructors, operated last year at Walton Guitars, led by guitar teacher Arron Bool.
“People weren’t quick to share stories,” Tasha said.
“They had to gain trust and feel comfortable. They started learning guitar and then learnt to overlay stories into songs.”
A group being led by Barleyshakes frontman Alan Kelly is now looking for participants to be involved.
For more information visit www.soldiersongs.net.au or phone Tasha on 0458 404 583.
