What is Sound and Vision?
Sound and Vision is a co-designed project facilitated by The Workshop for Vision Norfolk users. In the early stages of this collaboration, a focus group identified poor mental health because of isolation as a key challenge faced by people who are blind or visually impaired. Together, we created Sound and Vision: Sing for Fun group to bring the community together through song and music.
The choir is ran by Sky Carver and they have worked towards several milestones including visits to care homes in King’s Lynn last year.
Attendees feel strongly about their community and the direction of the ‘choir’ – they have recently relabelled the group Sing for Fun to better reflect the content of their fortnightly sessions at The Workshop.
Drum for Fun Session – 16 April 2025
Participants: 4 Sound & Vision attendees, plus one guide dog and one retired guide dog
Jen from The Workshop and Abi from Vision Norfolk
Facilitator: Claire Cartwright
Although the participants expressed some disappointment that Sky was not present, they were enthusiastic about engaging in the drumming session. Claire provided a detailed explanation of how the drums were made and encouraged hands-on interaction, allowing everyone to explore the instruments through touch and play.
The dogs were particularly curious about the scent of the drums, yet remained calm and unbothered by the sounds. To begin, participants were invited to freely experiment with different drum sounds and to incorporate vocal responses, creating a relaxed and creative atmosphere.
Following the break, participants were encouraged to choose songs to sing, with the group collaboratively adding drum rhythms and sounds to accompany the vocals. Many recalled songs from previous sessions and seemed to thoroughly enjoy revisiting them.
When one participant was asked about his experience, he shared that he was greatly enjoying the session. He mentioned his love of singing as a primary reason for attending and described the group as a source of fun, friendship, belonging, and personal achievement.
All four participants reported that they thoroughly enjoyed the session, appreciating the unique experience and Claire’s skills. Nonetheless, they expressed eagerness for the next session with Sky.
The dogs served as a wonderful focal point throughout the session, with participants often engaging with them through petting and conversation. Their presence contributed a calming and comforting influence to the group dynamic.
What’s next?
The group are currently working towards a Desert Island Discs style podcast. There is often lots of discussion around experiences and memories when they select their songs and therefore the podcast will allow both elements of music and storytelling.
Later on this year, there will be a community event where the group are looking to perform, giving them another opportunity to sing live in public!
