For Immediate Release
Wednesday, 18th May 2011
Wednesday 18th 2011 will see Headroom; a group formed from the Black Dog Project, a Norfolk Coalition of Disabled People (NCODP) member organisation playing a live set in front of the Norwich Forum. In attendance will be Staff Benda Bilili, a group of disabled musicians from The Democratic Republic of Congo, before their NNF11 evening gig at the Theatre Royal.
Rock and blues band Headroom emerged from the Black Dog music project. Black Dog works with users and survivors of mental health services.
Many of the bands lyrics are inspired by the Headroom band members’ experiences of mental health issues.
"Being in Headroom has improved my confidence and self-esteem" said drummer Jason Wright
Lead guitarist Roger 'Zog' Bentley added: "Being in the band gives me a purpose. I feel like I am giving something back which I am unable to do through employment."
The event is the brainchild of NCODP CEO, Mark Harrison, who was inspired to arrange an event combining Staff Benda Bilili and Norfolk disabled musicians following the success of last years Disability Pride event and disabled musicians participation in the NNF11 Saxophone Massive.
Mark said "This is a great opportunity for disabled musicians from different continents to meet and appreciate each others music. It will also emphasise the common experiences disabled people have across the globe. Disabled people everywhere face barriers and discrimination."
This unique event will take place outside the Norwich Forum between 4:30pm and 6:00pm on Wednesday 18th May.
At a time where disabled people across Norfolk are seeing the services and benefits they rely on for even the most basic of life's necessities severely cut, this coming together of musicians from very different parts of the world, is hoped to bring both enjoyment and entertainment.
ENDS
Notes
TV/Radio: interviews are available at the event with Mark Harrison (07825 600195) and Headroom.
Picture Editors: Pictures available at the event – 5.30pm PHOTOCALL with STAFF BENDA BILILI.
Mark Harrison is also available for media interviews and can be contacted directly on 07825 600195.
Black Dog Project is a group of users and survivors of the mental health services. It was founded in 2006 and up until this year was a project run by Norfolk and Waveney Mental Health Foundation Trust. It is now completely self directed by its members and independent.
For further information please contact Shaun Hobbs on 07798565686 or Keith Marriott on 07788583303
NCODP launched a website to coordinate their Campaign Against the Cuts, which can be viewed at http://www.campaignagainstcuts.org.uk.
This press release can be found along with previous releases at http://www.ncodp.org.uk/press-releases.
For further information regarding this news item please contact NCODP via This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 01508 491210
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The Norfolk Coalition of Disabled People (NCODP) is a human-rights group controlled by disabled people and their organisations. They organise and take part in campaigns and run services that promote social equality and dignity for all disabled people.
The NCODP regards having an impairment as a normal part of being human. Disability results from people with impairments being excluded by physical and social barriers and negative attitudes. Their main task is to challenge the many forms of discrimination created by these barriers and attitudes.
The NCODP believes that disabled people must take the leading role in decisions that affect their lives both locally and as part of the national and international disability movements in which the NCODP plays an active part. There must be "Nothing about us without us."
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