‘I have had guitar lessons with Tim since high school when I had just discovered music and began learning guitar, Tim has the ability to make you feel at ease, with his approachable and friendly personality.

Tim has always been patient and understanding of my individual learning process and has been a positive force in helping me achieve my level of playing.

I feel relaxed with Tim’s teaching style, with his passion for all styles and genres of music and his great sense of humour keeps me motivated.

I am now attending a sixth form college and alongside my studies, Tim has helped me achieve a distinction in grade 8 electric guitar.

Tim has also helped me gain extremely valuable work experience which has helped me improve my skills in teamworking, communication and confidence, as well as providing many new opportunities to perform live. The experience I have gained so far working with Tim has massively contributed to my goal of becoming a full-time musician and live performer’

‘Tim currently runs a drumming workshop at our supported living centre for adults with learning disabilities.

Tim has done this for many years now and our residents are always excited, when they know Tim will be coming. Tim has been great at getting to know each of the individuals so that their needs are always met, during these sessions, as many enjoy the sensory experience it entails.

Tim has always been patient and extra supportive to the residents that have required it and is always full of encouragement for them; so that their wellbeing needs are being met during the sessions. Tim is always on time to his sessions and is very friendly to not just the residents but also to staff members as well.

JK, in particular, enjoys Tim’s sessions and says ‘It’s good because always different. He (Tim) involves us and lets me play his guitar. I like the music. It makes me happy.’

’Tim, You are an absolute superstar!

As you are fully aware I bring one of the young men with learning disabilities to you for drumming sessions. He thoroughly enjoys every moment as do I! His excitement in the car on the drive to you is such a joy to see.

You are so patient as you are with the other guys with learning disabilities in the session. I find it incredible to see how attentive you are to their needs.

You always make an effort to keep them excited and entertained. Every week is a new surprise and they always end the session feeling positive and proud of themselves.

Every centre would benefit having you incorporated into the needs of their young men and ladies with learning disabilities. Would be amazing to spread this joy.

Thank you for being who you are, we all truly appreciate you.

I wanted to learn how to play better, get some experience and also playing music with other people instead of just on my own which I found really helpful. I’ve found it to be a positive experience, it helps with isolation, enjoy playing with other likeminded people and learning. Gets me out and meeting other people, my confidence has grown as I spend time with groups of people here, I usually am 1 to 1 so this has been good for me. It has helped me stay sober being around other people who get it and understand me.

It’s been brilliant, have done the one in Ipswich before, I have really enjoyed it and learnt a lot from Tim, met some great people and have stayed friends out of the workshop. It has improved my wellbeing, keeps me busy, a enjoyable activity for me to do. the music workshop gives me something to focus on and keeps me ‘out of my own head’.

This is a brilliant experience for me and all other attendees. I am a recovering alcoholic and drug addict, and I find this event a really useful. In recovery, it focuses my newfound energy and drive towards something positive and stimulates a creative way of thinking on a regular monthly basis.

It creates a community of likeminded people who can identify with each other in an enjoyable, collective experience. So, yes, it adds value to performers, close friends and family and the audience. 

Where else would people in recovery from drink, drugs and various forms of Mental Health have an opportunity to break down personal barriers and express themselves in this creative environment? For some people, it provides a new lease of life and a chance to break out of a current, bleak cycle.

There are numerous people there to support us in so many different ways. This ranges from those who, thankfully, set up and run the event, to those we can talk to in confidence about any concerns and those who we can ask for feedback on performing and methods of creativity.  

Really enjoyed every aspect. Tim and Maria were brilliant hosts. Maria was always there to chat about anything that we needed to. Tim shared his musical skills with us and as well as steering the group, he was always willing to answer my individual questions. I have learnt so much.

To get together with like minded people who wanted to be collectively creative. Meet new people. Firstly, it added shape to my day and the week. Having something to aim for is important as appose to ‘drifting’ through the week. It gave me a sense of achievement. Getting together with other people in recovery is invaluable. We are able to exchange recovery stories (what has helped for us). Identification with each other means that we do not feel alone. It means that we are not isolated. It gives us an opportunity to push our boundaries. When taking part in the sessions, it takes me out of my own head/thoughts, as I am focused on something positive.  Brilliant venue. Look forward to hearing about future initiatives.