Young people in HIPS supported through brand new music and wellbeing collaboration

Music Fusion and HEH MIND have partnered up to offer a new and diverse set of opportunities for young people

Creativity and wellbeing come together in this pilot project funded by #BeeWell. Previously more than 1,000 young people in Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and Southampton (HIPS) voted for their top priorities chosen by young people working with the #BeeWell programme, through a county wide ballot.

Grants to support co-created projects that met these needs were funded by Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme to support secondary school aged young people to engage in activities. This has been match funded by #BeeWell/The National Lottery Community Fund.

Youth Matters, the HIPS youth steering group, sorted through those application and made their recommendations.

Music Fusion specialise in working with young people experiencing challenging life circumstances. The young people they work with often demonstrate anxiety, depression, low self-esteem and trauma. Music Fusion is a safe place for them to take a breath, connect, make friends and great music. They give them a voice, a platform and a cause to get behind.

Havant and East Hants Mind (HEH), Children and Young People’s Safe Haven offer support from experienced wellbeing practitioners including:

Practical and emotional support
De-escalating crisis and equip them with coping skills and strategies through a range of client-centred therapeutic interventions; such as DBT and CBT
Peer to peer support
Information, resources and signposting for all young people
Advice and information provided to parents and carers and signposting to specific therapeutic services where appropriate.

an overhead shot of two people playing chess

Through Music Fusion and HEH MIND working together, they aim to offer much needed help at a critical moment in young people’s lives. Young people accessing each service have been able to meet staff from the partner organisation, build relationships, and hear what they can offer in the safety of their own space. Through this direct contact it has ensured they feel comfortable to access another programme and see a familiar face.

Young people attending the HEH MIND #BeeWell sessions at the Safe Haven have said:

“I was struggling and friendless, but not anymore…”

“I am now capable of making friends and communicating with people”

“My chest felt lighter after speaking to you last week. I have had thoughts about suicide less”

“Safe Haven has boosted my confidence”

“I have found Safe Haven helpful; staff are polite and fun”

“The staff are amazing, the crafts and activities are fun”

“Safe Haven is helpful, boosts my confidence and helped me socialise”.

Young people attending Music Fusion #BeeWell sessions have said:

“I have found my sessions to be very fun”

“Music Fusion is flipping awesome, the experience itself is amazing, and builds your confidence”

“Music Fusion has helped my mental health – it’s a confidence boost”

A group of young people and staff on a stage after performing some musc

Thanks to Music Fusion and Havant and East Hants MIND for collaborating together to address the needs of young people as identified through the #BeeWell findings.

You can find out more about all the projects that were commissioned here.