Fatboy Slim mental health workshop picks up award

Norman Cook, AKA Fatboy Slim, has helped finance the project

A project to help people's mental health through DJ workshops involving Fatboy Slim has received an award.

The Brighton-based DJ, whose real name is Norman Cook, has been working with Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust and the charity Heads On.

On Friday the scheme was given the gold award in the Sussex Partnership Trust Positive Practice awards.

More than 30 workshops have already been organised, culminating in the Sound Minds performance night at Rockwater Hove on 24 September.

Natalie Rowlands collected the award on Friday

Clinical specialist occupational therapist Natalie Rowlands, who devised the programme, said: "This recognition means a great deal, not just to me but to everyone involved including Norman Cook.

"I hope it helps open the door to more funding and more projects, so we can continue giving people opportunities to express themselves, grow and feel part of something positive."

She said Norman Cook was not able to attend the ceremony, but had sent his congratulations.

The project led to the Sound Minds event in September

Ms Rowlands said the programme was already getting interest from further afield.

"Since doing the Sound Minds event I've been contacted by various trusts across the country about how I can support them to set up similar projects.

"I hope through this the project can grow, more rapping workshops, music production, singing, really concentrating on our female participants as well."

People with schizophrenia, personality and eating disorders and bipolar have been part of the programme, which the DJ helps to fund personally.

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