Songwriting in The Bella Centre – Exploring Pasts and Imagining Futures
In late April, we spent two powerful days at The Bella Centre in Dundee, a women’s Community Custody Unit, facilitating songwriting workshops that brought together residents and staff in a shared creative space. Supported by three talented musicians, participants explored songwriting – many for the first time.
Set amidst sunlit halls and garden spaces, the songs that unfolded over the two days explored themes of identity, power, motherhood, grief, and hope. The lyrics became heartfelt reflections of personal history and aspirations for change after prison. Staff members used the songwriting process to navigate their own transitions toward retirement, and what comes next. We often spend much of the time over these days helping people develop spoken thoughts into lyrics, but this session was one of those where what people had written is what they wanted to say – no metaphor, no adjustments, just straight from heart onto paper.
Throughout the sessions, a sense of connection grew naturally. As the songs took shape, so did new relationships. People who hadn’t known each other well found common ground, and the act of making creative choices – what a line should say, how a chorus should feel – gave participants a renewed sense of ownership and agency in a place where choice is often limited. For many, the experience sparked a new enthusiasm, a reawakened confidence.
After developing the lyrics and melodies in April, we returned in May for a focused recording day. Everyone rejoined to refine the arrangements, add final touches, and commit each track to record. Every element – from structure to instrumentation – was shaped by the co-writers with support and encouragement from musicians. The recording space became one of pride and quiet celebration, as each song was captured in its full emotional strength.
What unfolded throughout this session went far beyond songwriting. It created a rare space where people could be vulnerable, imaginative, and heard – without judgment or expectation. The depth of engagement, the moments of emotion, the moments of sheer joy, and the courage it took to step into that creative unknown left a lasting impression on everyone involved!
You can listen to the songs here. We hope these tracks resonate with you and inspire reflection.
Session Team:
Facilitation and relationships: Lisa
Musicians: Louise McCraw, Chris Duncan, and Jill O’Sullivan
A special thanks to Mark and Donna at The Bella Centre who gave incredible support to everyone in making this happen, and for all the encouragement throughout!