Live music and shared music-making support mental health and wellbeing, helping people express themselves, build confidence and connect with others.
Working with mental health services and community organisations, professional musicians deliver interactive sessions in supportive settings. Through singing, improvisation, playing instruments and songwriting, participants can explore their creativity, express emotions and develop communication skills in an inclusive environment.
In Islington, our Musicians in Residence project supports adults living with severe mental health conditions in supported accommodation. Feedback showed that 100% of participants reported improved mood and emotional wellbeing, feeling more relaxed and less stressed, and feeling more connected to others.
Participants also had the opportunity to record their original songs in a professional recording studio, celebrating their creativity and gaining a lasting sense of pride and achievement.
“The end of term recording session gives the group a real sense of focus and was definitely a highlight of the year. It was a genuine pleasure and privilege to be in a professional recording studio with two residents I have worked with for some time. Both have experienced severe challenges over the years, and to watch them collaborating with professional technicians and musicians to produce their own songs was very special.”
– Kevin Bond, Deputy Manager, Aberdeen Park Community intensive rehab unit.
