‘Taunt my fear’ by rock and blues band Headroom is the first album to be written, produced and sold through the Black Dog music project.

Black Dog has proved a massive success since it was launched by Trust community support workers Keith Marriott and Chris Efstratiou in 2006.

Trust care co-ordinators refer service users to Black Dog so that they can learn or regain music skills as part of their care plan. More than 50 people have so far benefited.

‘Taunt my fear’ was professionally recorded at Future Studios, in Norwich, after lots of hard work and practice. Many of the lyrics are inspired by the Headroom band members’ experiences of mental health issues.

When Headroom formed four years ago the idea of performing was daunting to the band’s members.

“Being in Headroom has improved my confidence and self-esteem,” said drummer Jason Wright, speaking at a recording session. “I now feel ready to gig and share the music we have created as a band.”

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.”

Keith Marriott said he had always seen music as one of the best therapies for any kind of problem – whether through listening to a favourite band or strumming an old guitar.

“Black Dog enables me to work with a considerable number of service users at once, rather than just one. It brings people together and helps to build confidence and friendships,” he said.

Trust consultant psychiatrist Jon Wilson said: “True ‘recovery’ from mental illness requires a rediscovering of what energises and motivates us as people. Initiatives like Black Dog seek to help people with various symptoms to rediscover who they are; or who they might become.


“It should be considered both a treatment in its own right, and an opportunity to pursue normal activities which are too often denied to those who have lost hope in the midst of mental illness.”

Trust service users wishing to join the project should contact their care co-ordinator to be referred to Keith Marriott.

Black Dog holds band sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5-7pm in the music room at 80 St Stephens Road.

It is hoped that with funding or sponsorship the band will be able to move to a non-clinical setting so that the Black Dog musicians can jam with others in the community. However, money remains a long-running issue for the project, which has operated on a shoestring budget and is looking for sponsorship.

The album‘Taunt my Fear’ costs £6, and all proceeds from album sales will be ploughed back into the Black Dog project. Copies are on sale in Norwich at Hellesdon Hospital main reception and shop; 80 St Stephens main reception; Norwich Playhouse; HMV, Gentleman’s Walk; Fine City Sounds, Pottergate; Bridges, Magdalen Street; and Julian Housing, 1a Oak Street. It is also on sale at Herondale Residential Home, Bridewell Lane, Acle; Riverside Stores, Acle Bridge; Inspirations, Norwich Road, Acle; and Brundall Coffee Shop.

For further details about Black Dog contact Keith Marriott on 0778 8583303.