For November's Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, we’re celebrating how community music-making can make a real difference. We asked Steve and Dan how coming to Music24’s Mind Our Music group helps them.
“Forget your worries, come here and play your music.” - Steve
“When I leave a session I feel more satisfied and happier. I feel fulfilled.” - Dan
When Steve first joined the Luton Mind Our Music group in 2023, he was looking for something to lift the weight that had settled over his days. After years spent caring for his father and sister, and managing his own health concerns, he describes life as “a stressful burden.” Music, however, has become a refuge. “I love coming here every Monday,” he says. “It helps me a lot with anxiety problems.”
The weekly sessions at Music24’s ‘Mind Our Music’ in Luton, bring together people who share a love of music and an understanding of what it means to struggle. Some are musicians, some are not. Participants swap instruments, sing, and improvise together. In a welcoming, non-judgemental space, people can express themselves freely through sound. Participants sing, play, and create in the moment - no pressure, no expectations, just the joy of making music side by side.
“It’s great to come here with other musicians and have a very enjoyable musical evening,” Steve explains. “You get any problems you’ve got off your chest.”
“It’s nice to meet, lovely people and lovely staff,” Steve says. “Forget your worries, come here and play your music.”
For Steve, who often spends time alone, the group provides balance. Here, he rediscovers confidence, companionship and calm. Mind Our Music is more than just a creative outlet, it is a community. “It’s stress relief for me,” Steve smiles. “Great staff, great people, very enjoyable.”
When Dan first heard about Music24’s Mind Our Music sessions in Welwyn, he wasn’t sure what to expect. As someone who is autistic and lives with epilepsy, change takes time. But with gentle encouragement from his mum, Sue, and his care team, Dan decided to give it a go.
That was in 2023. Two years later, he’s still attending the group and his weekly music sessions have become a vital part of his routine, wellbeing, and happiness.
“Sometimes I feel alright, sometimes I feel unwell when I arrive here,” Dan said. “I do look forward to coming every week. It supports me and makes me feel like I’m important.”
Sue has seen the difference it makes to her son.
“Dan’s main issue in life is anxiety, which can lead to seizures,” she explained. “As far as I’m aware, he’s only had one seizure during a Music24 session. Everyone was very caring and I believe this reassured him that it a lovely group to be part of.”
Inside the sessions, everyone is encouraged to experiment and find their own rhythm. Some can already play instruments; others simply join the jam and see where it takes them.
Dan’s mum Sue said, “He enjoys trying new instruments and feels comfortable and welcome.”
“I like to play the piano at Music24,” Dan said with a smile. “I can’t do that anywhere else. I like to sing too - especially country music.”
For Dan, the sessions are about music, connection, confidence, and belonging. Over time, Sue has seen a noticeable change in him.
“His confidence has improved,” she shared. “He really enjoyed rehearsing for the Abbey Road recording last year — particularly meeting and interacting with members of other groups. I think it’s made him realise it’s okay to be different.”
And how does Dan feel when the music stops?
“I feel different when I leave the session,” he said. “I feel more satisfied and happier when I leave. I feel fulfilled.”
As Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month reminds us, spaces like Mind Our Music matter - especially for men who may struggle to express how they feel. Music brings people together, helps them connect without words.
Want to get involved?
If you or someone you know could benefit from joining a welcoming, creative community like Music24’s Mind Our Music groups, we’d love to hear from you. Follow us on social media to learn more about our sessions and how you can support men’s mental health through the power of music.
Contact info@music24.org.uk or 01582 250024
