The Medway Lullaby Intervention brought together new mothers, facing perinatal mental health challenges, and professional musicians over an eight-week programme to create, record and perform a personalised lullaby for their baby. Delivered across three cohorts at family hubs in Chatham and Luton in partnership with Team Lotus Mental Health Midwife Team, the project supported 25 mothers and 30 children, completing 27 songs in total.
Across all three cohorts, participants reported measurable improvements in their wellbeing — life satisfaction and happiness increased on average by up to 2 points, while anxiety levels fell by as much as 3.5 points, indicating new tools for ongoing emotional regulation.
Leanne, who created a lullaby for baby Wren, described the project as having “kind of changed our lives” — bringing new friendships, renewed confidence, and a piece of music her whole family treasures. Her happiness scores rose by 1.5 points over the programme, and her anxiety decreased by 6 points. Bex, who wrote My Rainbow Boy for baby Heath, said the project helped her feel like she was “coming back to myself” — giving her confidence to try new things and a group of close friends she continues to see regularly, building resilience through a new community of support.
Watch the film below to hear more from participants and see the project in action.
The Lullaby Intervention was part of the Medway Creative Health Partnership funded by Arts Council England.
