Making some noise at the RBWH
Janine Deevy (left) and Amanda Mellow (far right) from the RBWH Cancer Care team lead YCMSN for Metro North. Pictured with band member, Ainslie.
The You Can Make Some Noise (YCMSN) program at the RBWH is connecting young cancer patients with professional musicians through a series of creative arts workshops.
Janine Deevy and Amanda Mellow are part of the Cancer Care team at the RBWH and led Metro North’s involvement in the program.
“YCMSN has provided an outlet for participants to turn their stories, thoughts and emotions into lyrics, melodies and songs,” Janine said.
The program has also provided the opportunity for participants to connect with others going through similar experiences.
“As well as making music, many lasting friendships have been made through the program,” Amanda said.
“Participants have enjoyed having a break from the ward environment and discovering there are others their own age who understand what they’re going through.”
Ainslie is a vocalist and plays the clarinet player in YCMSN. She is also a cancer survivor and was an in-patient at the RBWH when the band was formed.
You Can Make Some Noise playing at the RBWH
“It was so lovely to have something regular to look forward to, that allowed me to leave the ward,” Ainslie said.
“Being in hospital for a prolonged period is very isolating, so it was great to be able to go up to the You Can Centre and talk to people my own age who understood what I was going through, and to create something special together.”
YCMSN was conceived in 2022 by Peter Breen, a radiographer, amateur musician and keen supporter of creative arts. He was inspired to create the program by the growing body of evidence showing that music in a clinical setting has a positive effect on mood, emotional regulation, pain management, stress and anxiety.
Keen to hear them in action? YCMSN’s second album, “Diving Deeper” is now available to purchase and will be available to stream from 30 May.