Mental Health and Wellbeing

Our sessions for mental health enable people to connect through music-making – the primary aim is to promote wellbeing and quality of life. 


Making music together offers a way for people to connect beyond verbal communication – this helps people connect, and find a way back to nervous system regulation.

We currently offer two types of session: in our strings workshops, we provide bowed stringed instruments (violin, viola, and cello) and a framework for people to explore these in a group setting. No previous experience of playing music is required, and the sessions are experiential, non-judgemental, and person-centred; participants are supported to develop their own ideas if they wish. There is a balance of familiar repertoire, improvisation, and co-creation within each session.

We deliver these strings sessions for mental health both as ten-week projects, and standalone workshops; we’ve worked with NHS trauma groups, Mind in Brighton & Hove, Southdown Recovery Centre, and the Grow Project. 

Participants have reported that the sessions have been relaxing, engaging, and inclusive – people feel supported and develop confidence through playing together. Several of our participants have continued playing instruments in group settings as a result of attending our sessions.

Image: Playing with sound in Stanmer

We also deliver more general music for engagement sessions, with a range of instruments and a greater emphasis on voice and song, including a range of instruments and sound sources to explore and experience the Five Ways to Wellbeing. 

“I feel good. I feel energised. I feel safe. I feel supported.”

Participant J, Southdown Strings Session

“I enjoyed trying and then being able to play an instrument I hadn’t had the opportunity to play before. I also found the warm up very effective in focusing my mind and the relaxed and encouraging approach of the facilitator enabled us, as a group, to work from naturally where we are at. A thoroughly enjoyable and therapeutic workshop which enabled me to create music using strings, not just emotionally and mentally, but physically, a whole new dimension.”

Participant C of New Note Orchestra