Young people tune in to boost their mental health
Young people have created a mental health playlist after an online event to talk about how music helps wellbeing.
The Mental Health Music Takeover was organised by the young person’s participation team at Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust (NSFT) and was open to young people under the age of 25 in both counties.
People Participation Co-ordinator Andrea Bland said: “Those who came along took part in a discussion about how music supports their mental health and then we each shared a song and explained why we’d chosen it. Some had a story attached but others were simply because it made them feel good.”
The songs are being used to create a playlist, which will be shared with young people and organisations that support them. Those who couldn’t attend the event sent their songs by email.
Andrea said: “A lot of young people already know how much music can help with mood and they already share their own playlists with friends. This takes it a little bit further. It was great to hear what songs they chose and the reasons why they helped them.”
She said there was a suggestion to have the playlists available in waiting rooms for Children, Families and Young People’s services across the trust and also to have quarterly catch-ups to refresh the playlist.
One of the young people at the event said: “Music has always been a part of my life, but I’ve had a different relationship with it as I’ve grown up. It was company and comforting when I was younger, as I’ve got older it’s become a way to communicate/process the stage I’m at and what I’ve been through.”
And another added: “When I feel a bit low, I listen to the same song over and over, it gives you some stability and is supportive. It’s like a cuddle.”
Donna Wilson, People Participation Champion for Children, Families and Young People’s services, has been harnessing her passion for music to promote the project.
“It was a really wonderful session,” she said. “I heard songs I have never heard of before and I’m looking forward to the next date.
“Music can change your mood and outlook; it is great way to distract your mind and it can help you to focus on the positive aspects of life. Having a dance also helps too. As a group we also discussed the fact that sometimes, not wanting to listen to music can be a sign or indication that our mental health is not a good place.”
She talked about her choice of music: “For this project I chose a song that helped me get through some dark times in my life and it is quite an emotive song You’re Gonna be Okay by Jenn and Brian Johnson. For lifting my mood, I have loads of songs that I play but one of my favourites is Offshore by Chicane.”
Donna was delighted to be able to use her role as a participation champion to improve services. She said: “It is vital we have the voices of the young people who use our services to help embed participation and co-production. The aim is that they are involved in the design, delivery and receipt of such services. No decision about me, without me.”
Deputy CEO and Chief People Officer Cath Byford said music was a universal way to bring people together to create hope when they may be in a dark place.
“It’s great that these young people have shared the kind of music which helps to lift their spirits. This kind of co-production will go a long way to helping us become a better organisation with our service users at the heart.”
And Cath’s go to tracks? Everybody’s Changing by Keane and A Little Respect by Erasure.
THE PLAYLIST SO FAR
Wildflower – Billie Eilish
You’re Gonna Be Okay – Brian and Jenn Johnson
Millionaire – Kelis
Dancing on the Stars – Emma Kok & Andre’ Rieu
Vienna – Billy Joel
She’s All I Wanna Be – Tate McRae
Saturday Night – Whigfield
Get Along – Kenny Chesney
Hakuna Matata – from the The Lion King
Fear – Blue October
Dive – Olivia Dean
When Will I Be Famous – Bros