Community and Mental Health Week 2025

Community

This year's Mental Health Week theme speaks straight to Music24's heart

We are more than just a group of people playing music together; we are a supportive network, a safe space and a community of people who always show up for one another.

We can say this about all our music sessions but we do have groups that specifically support those who need help with mental health difficulties. Our 'Mind Our Music' groups are led by those taking part, supported by our trained staff. People make music or can simply listen, talk and share. The main focus is on improvising and song-writing and we provide a wide range of instruments to make new music with - everyone is welcome; musicians and non-musicians.

Thank you to Julie in the video, for sharing how our 'Mind Our Music' sessions make her feel and how they have improved her mental health.

These sessions take place in Luton, Welwyn Garden City and Bedford and can be joined by referral HERE.

Funding Awarded for Music & Dementia Centre of Excellence in Hertfordshire

Music24 is exceptionally proud to announce our involvement in a pioneering initiative that will use the power of music to transform dementia care across Hertfordshire, improving the lives of thousands of people living with dementia and upskilling care staff to integrate music into everyday practice.

Hertfordshire has been selected as the UK’s second Centre of Excellence for Music and Dementia by the National Academy for Social Prescribing (NASP) through its Power of Music Fund. Greater Manchester was named as the first Centre of Excellence in 2024.

Led by Age UK Hertfordshire, in partnership with Music24, the Hertfordshire Care Providers Association (HCPA), Hertfordshire County Council and other expert organisations, and forming part of the Hertfordshire Dementia Strategy Delivery programme led by the Hertfordshire Mental Health, Learning Disability and Autism (MHLDA) Health and Care Partnership, the project will develop and deliver a comprehensive training programme for care professionals. The goal is to create Music Champions within 100 care homes, training 6,000 staff to embed therapeutic music techniques into dementia care, benefiting approximately 5,800 residents over the funded period.

Music has been proven to help people with dementia communicate, reduce anxiety and depression, improve self-esteem, stimulate memory, and reconnect with their cultural identity. This initiative will create personalised music experiences for residents by considering their musical preferences and histories. Care staff will be trained in various techniques, including passive and active music listening, singing and playing instrument, talking about music and encouraging reminiscence, and dancing and movement-based engagement.

Music24 will lead the training development alongside HCPA, drawing on expertise from organisations such as Herts Musical Memories, Music For My Mind and the Hertfordshire Music Service. The training programme will be co-produced with experts, care staff, and people living with dementia, ensuring it meets real-life needs and creates lasting impact.

To ensure sustainability, the programme will establish a Music Champion’s Network, providing ongoing peer support and professional development for trained staff. The initiative will also be evaluated in partnership with the University of Hertfordshire and Hertfordshire County Council Public Health, ensuring robust data collection to measure the long-term impact on staff confidence, resident wellbeing, and care home culture.

Through this project, Hertfordshire is set to lead the way in embedding music into dementia care on a large scale, influencing both local and national approaches. The Centre of Excellence will not only support care homes but also eventually extend training opportunities to community groups, mental health services, and hospices, ensuring that more people can benefit from the life-changing power of music.

Further details on this programme will follow as it develops over the next few months. We look forward to working with all partners on this exciting initiative!

Music and Wellbeing: The Impact of Music Therapy

Music is a universal language.  It connects people in ways words sometimes can't. Whether we're tapping our feet to a catchy beat, finding peace or revisiting memories in a familiar tune, music has a unique ability to make us feel better. This is where music therapy steps in, offering not only emotional healing but also physical and mental support.

At Music24 we have first-hand experience of the transformative influence that music has on people’s lives.  Bringing music therapy principles to our community music group sessions, we help individuals across Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire who live with dementia, learning disabilities, and mental health conditions. Every week, we demonstrate the profound benefits of music therapy and the powerful impact it has on people’s lives.

What is Music Therapy?

Music therapy is an evidence-based practice that uses music to address physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs. Trained music therapists, qualified in both music and therapeutic techniques, use music in a structured and purposeful way to help individuals achieve improved communication skills, enhanced cognitive function, emotional expression and creativity.

Unlike simply listening to music, music therapy is an active, therapeutic process. Sessions can involve activities like playing instruments, singing, songwriting, or even rhythmic exercises. The therapist tailors the activities to each individual's needs, using music to develop an ever-growing sense of accomplishment, self-expression, and connection.

The Benefits of Music Therapy

1. Improved Cognitive Function For people living with dementia or Alzheimer’s, music therapy can improve memory and cognitive function. Music activates areas of the brain simultaneously, including those involved in memory, attention, and emotional processing. For individuals with dementia, listening to familiar songs or participating in music-based activities can trigger memories and help reduce confusion or agitation.

2. Emotional Expression and Healing Many people with mental health conditions struggle to express their emotions. Music provides a safe outlet for self-expression, helping individuals connect with their feelings and express them in a non-verbal way. The rhythms, melodies, and harmonies of music can bring a sense of calm and joy by making music ‘in the moment’.

3. Social Connection Group music therapy sessions provide a unique opportunity for individuals to engage socially, creating bonds with others in a supportive, non-judgmental environment. Whether it's singing together, playing instruments in unison, or just sharing the experience of music, these sessions encourage collaboration, reduce isolation, and create a sense of belonging.

4. Physical Benefits Music therapy can also have a positive impact on physical health. For people with physical disabilities or those recovering from illness, rhythmic music can improve coordination, motor skills, and muscle strength. Percussion instruments, for example, can help develop motor skills, while dancing or movement activities can improve balance and mobility.  Singing is also proven to benefit those living with lunch conditions and improves breathing.

5. Reduced Anxiety and Stress Music has the power to soothe and relax.  This is particularly helpful for individuals with mental health conditions like anxiety or depression. The calming effects of music can help lower heart rates, reduce blood pressure, and promote a state of relaxation, making music therapy an effective tool for overall well-being.

Music24 Brings Therapeutic Music Sessions to the Heart of the Community

Everyone is a musician in our eyes!  Music24 is dedicated to providing high-quality music therapy-based services to individuals in Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire. Our weekly community music group sessions offer a space for people living with dementia, learning disabilities, and mental health conditions to experience the benefits of therapeutic music sessions in a welcoming and supportive environment.

Each week, we bring people together to participate in music-based activities, all under the guidance of trained, qualified music therapists, our session support workers and experienced volunteers. The community music groups offer a safe and inclusive space where everyone can take part, regardless of their ability level, whether it's joining in with a simple percussion instrument, singing along, or participating in more complex musical activities, the goal is to nurture a sense of togetherness and achievement.

How Music24 is Making a Difference

For over ten years, Music24 has been making a difference to people throughout Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire. From providing our Dementia group service users with the opportunity to connect with their carers, loved ones and others in the group through song and gentle dance, to those with learning disabilities who we support by helping them to gain confidence, enhance their creativity and build social skills; Music24’s work is a testament to the transformative power of music.

One participant, who struggles with their mental health, recently shared how our sessions had brought a sense of purpose and joy back into their life.

“I’m on medication for ADHD and Bipolar, but you need more than medication to take care of mental health conditions.  Music24 gives me an opportunity to create music and it is very therapeutic.  It helps if I’m in a depression, I’ll come out and be in a good mood.”  They went on to explain, “Music24 gives a really spontaneous, generative form of creativity that is very immediate and wonderful.  It’s jamming really.  When I leave each session I’m on a great note;  I have a spring to my step. It makes me feel enabled, very happy and full of potential. ”

Music is a powerful tool for healing, health and wellbeing, through it we can inspire change and improve lives.

If you or a loved one could benefit from Music24’s services, please contact us by email info@music24.org.uk or telephone 01582 250024.

A Royal Reception - We Meet His Majesty The King

On Thursday 3rd April,  Music24’s very own Teela Hughes-Davis was proud to be invited to a Reception and Concert at Windsor Castle hosted by His Majesty The King in recognition of those who advocate for and work to promote and maintain, community music in the UK.

Teela, CEO of Music24 meets His Majesty The King

The evening offered a wonderful opportunity to meet so many other community music champions, all working to bring people together and make a difference to the lives of those in their areas.  Guests also enjoyed music recitals from The London Gay Men’s Chorus, Royal College of Music Quartet, Sing For Freedom Choir, YolanDa Brown and the Songs for Ukraine Chorus. 

Live performances entertained guests in The Waterloo Chamber at Windsor Castle

Teela spoke to His Majesty about the performances during the evening and that she had noticed him singing along and tapping his feet to some of the music. She enjoyed his down to earth manner and he chuckled when she told him that her claim to fame would now be that she has sung with the King! They both then turned their attentions to The London Vegetable Orchestra, discussing what the shelf life of the vegetable instruments were before reading that they had actually been made the night before. It was then that the King was invited to play Twinkle Twinkle on a carrot which delighted both the guests, and then the world as a widely shared story!

Towards the end of the rendition reported in the Daily Mail News below, you will catch sight of our Teela among the guests behind the King.

It was a great honour for Music24 to be recognised in this way.  It was a special moment in the charity’s history that serves not only as a fantastic occasion to remember, but also as fuel to our purpose and our determination to ensure that music is an accessible tool that connects and brings joy to our communities when they need it most.

The moment Teela met the King

Credit: Daily Mail News

We all need a little support - World Down Syndrome Day 2025

People are all different. We don’t all act the same way or like the same things. We are all individuals with our own identities, interests, talents, likes and dislikes. Sometimes though, we all need a little support.   

Inclusion, equality and diversity are prominent and celebrated within our charity. We, here at Music24, know how important it is that all individuals should feel supported and can be themselves when they attend our group music-making sessions and we are proud to be part of the support systems in place for our service users with Down Syndrome. In both our Mental Health and Learning Disability group music sessions, we offer them the space to be themselves, to develop their creative talents and to grow in confidence. We feel privileged to welcome so many talented individuals with Down Syndrome to Music24.  

Photo credit: Kimborocks

One of those talents is Kim.  She often speaks publicly, regularly sharing her inspiring ‘Kimboisms’ on social media that promote the power to face challenges with positivity, strength and determination.  She regularly attends our Mind Our Music sessions.  We asked her what Music24 means to her:  

In what way does Music24 support you?

“When I always worry about something Music24 is very quick to respond and are very good listeners.  They are always helpful in supporting my emotional needs when I’m in a situation that I find difficult.  Especially when I message Music24, they pass on my situation to my group music leader and then to my key worker to talk things through with me as she knows how to support me.” 

Can you describe how coming to Music24’s Mind Our Music makes you feel?

“Mind Our Music does make me feel like I am part of the family / pack and makes me feel comfortable.  Both the group leader and his volunteers working at Mind Our Music have been very supportive towards my emotional support needs.  They also know how to make me feel comfortable and feel happy and know how to look after my feelings through singing.” 

“One of the volunteers always cheers me up when she knows there’s something wrong or up with me so she is very determined to be helpful by always singing at the group every single week which makes it beneficial for my mental health needs.”

Can you tell us how Music24 helps you overcome day to day challenges and what those challenges might be?

“I have had loads of difficulties coping with deaths of very close friends and mostly with my family.  Plus I had other challenges like a friend who nearly committed suicide by overdosing and had lots of popularity jealousy problems with certain people at other groups.  Music24 has always been very supportive towards my thoughts and feelings and they have been very helpful by helping me through tough situations / times every time I message the team.  My Mind Our Music group leader and a really good volunteer are always there for me when I’m in need to help me have a positive attitude and to make me feel good about myself.”

How did you hear about Music24?

“I found out from a member of staff from my disability group that I go to and found out through Facebook too.” 

“Always remember - see the able not the label” - What is Kimborocks?

“I am building my own brand called Kimborocks to raise awareness of ability within disability and to redefine disability.. Follow me to find out more!”

To find out more about Kim’s journey to support others by sharing stories about living with Down Syndrome and by redefining disability, follow her on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.

Social Prescribing Day 2025

As a community music charity with health and wellbeing at the heart of everything we do, celebrating Social Prescribing Day is really important to us.  Why?  Because Social Prescribing changes lives for the better!

What is Social Prescribing?

Sometimes, problems just can’t be solved by doctors or medication.  However, other interventions can help to make a difference by empowering people to manage their circumstances positively and effectively, to help them connect with others and to grow in confidence. 

Social prescribing begins with a referral from a GP, hospital, charity or other organisation to a Social Prescribing Link Worker, who will identify the best activity to follow in order to improve the wellbeing of a person.  These activities are typically:

·         Advice and Information

·         Arts and Culture

·         Heritage

·         Natural Environment

·         Physical Activity

How does Social Prescribing help people?

Stress, anxiety, isolation, long-term health conditions – these are examples that can be alleviated by a form of Social Prescribing. 

Prescribed activities can offer a person empowering practical and emotional support, provide a sense of inclusion and build their confidence too, resulting in improved health and wellbeing.

Does Music24 facilitate one of these prescribed activities?

Yes!  We fall under the Arts and Culture prescribed activity.  For the last ten years, we have seen the benefits our innovative work brings to people who are socially isolated or who live in ill health and/or with a disability.  Singing, dancing and making-music in a safe, non-judgemental space with our trained staff and friendly volunteers, boosts mood, creativity and connection.  Through the power of music, we help people to live well and feel better.

Ask your Hertfordshire/Bedfordshire based GP about Social Prescribing and Music24.

New Singing Cafes for Ampthill and Flitwick

We are absolutely delighted that we have been able to secure new funding enabling us to launch two new Singing Cafes for over 55s, in Bedfordshire.

The Singing Cafe in Flitwick takes place on selected Tuesday mornings and in Ampthill on selected Wednesday afternoons.

Led by our highly experienced staff and supporters, Singing Cafes are designed to provide a relaxed, welcoming environment for people facing social isolation, to come together, sing, and meet new friends. Sessions offer a safe space where attendees can enhance their wellbeing, boost creativity and confidence and experience the joy of singing as well as a nice cuppa!  

To find out more about the new Singing Cafes including a list a dates and how to access one of the groups, please get in touch here or email info@music24.org.uk .