Finding voice at St Bride’s: Adfam’s creative songwriting day

This month we were delighted to welcome back the charity Adfam to St Bride’s and hold a creative song writing session to support their work in helping family members affected by substance use.

The workshop was lead by pianist Jessie Maryon Davies and percussionist Rosie Bergonzi.

The day began by exploring the beauty, calm and rich history of St Bride’s before coming together to write the lyrics, discover a tune and sing this song:

In a city that changes
A space that stays still
Still safe
Carved with the courage of many hands
A light shining in the darkness

From the Roman remains
To the tip of the spire
Layers on layers on layers

Heart of the city
Beat of the city
The church of the people

Adfam works to support the millions of people affected by someone else’s drinking, drug use or gambling. The charity recognises the powerful role creativity can play in helping people process their experiences and promoting wellbeing. Music-making can help people navigate complex emotions and build confidence in their own voices.

This event was part of our community engagement here at St Bride’s which was supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

It was great to collaborate with Adfam again who have held their much-loved annual Christmas Carol Concert here since 1997.

Jessie Maryon Davies is a musical energiser known for building community through music, earning Time Out’s Unsung Hero award in 2018. A pianist and creative leader, she directs the trans‑inclusive women’s pop choir Lips, co‑founded the charity Spark the Noise, and creates co‑composed work for major arts organisations. She has led music projects across the U.K. and internationally, spoken widely on music’s power to transform communities, and mentors emerging musicians at Wigmore Hall and the Royal Academy of Music, where she is honoured to be an Associate.

Rosie Bergonzi is a versatile percussionist, handpan player and workshop leader whose work spans major theatre stages, international pop tours and solo handpan performances. A Royal Philharmonic Society Trailblazer award‑winner, she is known for expanding the handpan’s possibilities and performing with ensembles including Chineke! Orchestra. Rosie also leads creative workshops and songwriting projects with organisations such as ENO, Southbank Centre and Wigmore Hall, championing inclusive, community‑driven music‑making.