Live Music Now’s Lullaby Essex project is bringing creativity, confidence and connection to parents and babies and increasing engagement with local support services.
Delivered in partnership with Parents 1st UK and B3 CIC, across Basildon and Tendring the project uses the power of music to support perinatal mental health, baby bonding and community connection. It forms part of a larger programme Connecting Parents through Peer Support, Music and Wellbeing, funded by Essex County Council’s Public Health Accelerator Bid (PHAB).
Singing a Song of Connection
Through Lullaby Essex, expectant and new parents work alongside Live Music Now musicians to co-create personal lullabies for their babies. The process is simple yet powerful — parents express love, hopes and dreams through music, even if they’ve never sung before.
Parents describe the sessions as uplifting, therapeutic and confidence-building.
“I can’t believe I wrote a song! It’s given me more confidence and a sense of achievement,” said one participant.
Another parent shared:
“Me and my husband have gotten closer through writing the song together. Even my parents now sing to my baby — she loves it!”
Listed to the most recent Lullabies created by families in Clacton here:
Improving Wellbeing Through Music
Independent evaluation led by WSA Community has shown that the project is already having a significant impact on participants’ wellbeing.
- 81% of parents reported overall improvements across key wellbeing indicators, including confidence, bonding, social connection and access to services .
- Parents described feeling less isolated, more supported and better able to cope with the challenges of parenthood.
Qualitative findings in the Interim Report from WSA Community demonstrate:
- Improved mental health and wellbeing: Parents reported reduced anxiety and isolation, increased self-esteem, and a greater sense of achievement through creative expression.
- Enhanced parent–infant bonding: The process of composing a lullaby deepened emotional connections and strengthened attachment.
- Social connection and peer support: Participants developed new friendships, reducing isolation and increasing engagement with local services.
- Empowerment and confidence: Parents who initially described low confidence in parenting reported feeling more capable and resilient following participation.
“It’s like a counselling session without anyone asking what’s wrong,” said one parent. “I always leave feeling better.”
Musicians have also spoken about the joy of seeing parents grow in confidence and creativity. One shared:
“Every participant has exceeded what they thought was possible. Their confidence and compassion have been so powerful to witness.”
Celebrating Culture and Community
The sessions have also celebrated Essex’s cultural diversity. Families have incorporated words and melodies from their heritage into their lullabies — including Spanish and Swahili verses — creating songs that reflect each family’s identity and story.
“My favourite part is the chorus because it’s in Spanish — that means a lot to me,” said one parent.
Working alongside peer supporters from Parents 1st and B3, Live Music Now musicians have created safe, welcoming spaces where families can connect, share experiences and support each other.
A Partnership That Makes a Difference
The success of Lullaby Essex lies in its partnership model. Parents 1st brings deep expertise in perinatal peer support, B3 provides cultural insight and outreach to African and Caribbean families, and Live Music Now contributes the creative power of music. Together, they are helping families build resilience, confidence and connection through song.
Looking Ahead
The next phase of Lullaby Essex will continue into 2026 in Basildon and Tendring. The project will also build on its learning about cultural competence, trauma-informed practice and creative wellbeing.
“The Lullaby project had a beautifully positive impact on my wellbeing. It allowed me to be creative, expressive and fun. I will forever be thankful for the opportunity presented.” Parent feedback
