Find out how music is helping to boost student wellbeing
Ben Hallam
I thought a public piano would be a nice idea to encourage mental wellbeing and creativity
Staffordshire University’s #SecretStaffs campaign showcases hidden gems on campus in monthly videos.
This time, we find out how music is helping to boost student and staff wellbeing at Staffordshire University’s Centre of Excellence in Healthcare in Stafford.
Lecturer in Paramedic Science Ben Hallam had the initial idea to introduce the instrument to the training facility at Blackheath Lane.
Students, staff and visitors are all encouraged to have a go on the electric piano based in the foyer which can also play pre-recorded pieces of music.
“I thought a public piano would be a nice idea to encourage mental wellbeing and creativity.” self-taught pianist Ben explained.
“The courses that are run here – with paramedics, ODPs, nurses, midwives – we are all working in the community with real people and some of the things that we see are quite unpleasant and quite stressful.
“So having an opportunity for those who can play or who want to have a go, we felt would be a way to boost mental wellbeing.”