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.

Meet Music24's Dedicated Trustees: A Tapestry of Passion and Expertise

Music24 is a charity committed to the transformative power of music and is proud to highlight its dynamic team of trustees, each bringing a unique blend of expertise and passion to the organisation.

Tom - Leading the Way

Meet Tom Johnson, our Chairperson, whose extensive background in commissioning and personal charity fundraising reflects a commitment to impacting change within mental health. Trained on a local government graduate scheme, he holds a Masters in Public Management, leading Music24 with strategic vision.

John - From Sports Journalism to Caring Heart

John Ley, a seasoned sports journalist, transitioned to full-time caregiving due to his wife, Linda, being diagnosed with dementia. Both have accessed Music24’s sessions and witnessed the magic firsthand. With a 27-year career covering global football events, including World Cups, he brings diverse skills and a deep commitment to Music24's mission.

Tracey - Bridging Health Inequalities

Tracey Brennan works for NHS England and champions reducing health inequalities. With over 30 years in supporting those with learning disabilities, her passion for inclusive change aligns seamlessly with Music24's work.

Ian - Architectural Technologist Turned Music Advocate

Ian Begg, a Chartered Architectural Technologist, retired from Rotary International to dedicate more time to Music24. His extensive charitable background, including organising events like the Stevenage Carnival, brings invaluable experience to the team.

We want to thank our Trustees for all the time and energy that dedicate Music24 to help achieve it’s ambitions! We couldn’t do it all without them!

To find out more about our amazing Board of Trustees , click here.

Celebrating the Coronation of King Charles III

How did you celebrate the Coronation in May?  Music24 marked the historic event with cake, colour and, of course, music!  Our Singing Café group in Welwyn Garden City had fun making majestic crowns, singing songs of celebration and sharing sumptuous baked confections known as cake, with plenty of second helpings!

As a tribute to His Majesty’s public service, we also spread the message about the act of volunteering highlighted by the Coronation weekend’s ‘The Big Help Out’ campaign.  Championing the positive impact that volunteering has on supporting local areas and communities across the nation, the campaign encouraged people to give volunteering a go for themselves.  We would like to thank all our current volunteers that help make Music24 possible.  From those of you who help out at our sessions to those who support us in countless other ways - thank you for everything you do!

If, in the spirit of King Charles III’s Coronation legacy, you would like to consider volunteering for us, more information is available here.  So please, get in touch with us directly, we would love to hear from you!

Singing Cafe coming to Leighton Buzzard this May!

We’re pleased to report that we will be starting a new Singing Cafe in Leighton Buzzard from Friday 13th! We’re very excited to bring this new opportunity to residents in the Leighton & Linslade are and look forward to watching the group grow! Thank you to Leighton-Linslade Town Council for supporting this venture, it’s much appreciated.

We will set subsequently on the 2nd & 4th Friday afternoons of every month there after if all is a success. Details below:

Music24 celebrates Volunteers' Week 2021

At Music24, we wouldn’t be able to do what we do without the support and dedication of our team of volunteers. Here, Teela, our CEO, hosts an interview with three volunteers - Paula, Jackie and Brian, and they discuss what it is to be a volunteer and how it helps both the charity and themselves to achieve great things.

Music24 works with Mark De-lisser at #LutonSingsQueen

Music24 was lucky enough to be invited to take part in a local project led by Gail from the Big Music Company. The plan was to create a flashmob in the Mall in Luton, singing Queen’s famous ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ and Pink’s ‘What About Us’. Over the course of a week, our mental health group, ’Mind Our Music’, took part in learning the songs led by talented choral arranger and vocal coach, Mark De-lisser.

The project involved 85 participants local to Luton, most of which hadn’t met eachother before, let alone sung together. Gail and Mark gave the opportunity for people to learn, sing and perform together.

Teela, Music24’s CEO, states: “We are eternally grateful to Gail for this amazing opportunity to work with Mark De-lisser. It offered the members of our mental health group a wonderful opportunity to engage in something that was really special and it connected with everyone in a deep way. Mark’s approach towards singing for all levels and general ethos resonated with everybody in that room and he built a wonderful ‘team’. It was a truly inspirational experience and it was a pleasure to witness.”

WATCH #LutonSingsQueen

Mark conducting the Choir at the Performance in the Mall, Luton

Music24's First News Edition

We'd like to recommend a good read.... Our lovely new newsletter that summarises a few key achievements of 2016! The team are delighted to present this to you....

CLICK HERE for our Christmas Newsletter!