Introducing ‘Sound for Soul’: Leighton Park’s New Wellbeing Initiative.

Sound for Soul is a brand new music and wellbeing initiative that we are launching this week, coinciding with Mental Health Awareness Week.  It is a collaborative project between our Music Department and sector-leading Pastoral Care Team, recognising the profound impact music has on student wellbeing and mental health. We aim to provide our students with the skills and mindset to thrive as they progress through life. 

 Research has shown the myriad benefits of music for young minds. Studies have shown that engaging in music-making activities enhances emotional expression and regulation, providing students with invaluable tools for navigating the highs and lows of adolescence. Moreover, music has been found to reduce feelings of anxiety and depression, fostering a sense of calm and resilience in the face of adversity. 

 ‘Sound for Soul’ projects will be rolled out in tutor time, PSHE, the music curriculum, Co-Curricular, partnership work and concerts to encourage our young people to engage in music in a variety of ways. Our emphasis on collaborative music-making strengthens on sense of community and belonging, as well as supporting our students to develop essential social skills such as communication, cooperation, and empathy. 

 Whether you’re a virtuoso mastering an instrument, a beginner taking your first steps into the world of music, a creative soul who enjoys composing, or even someone who finds joy in just listening, at Leighton Park, music is for all. Our Music Department, alongside our Pastoral Care Team, is dedicated to nurturing everyone’s different musical journey, recognising its profound impact on wellbeing. 

 As well as supporting students at Leighton Park, we will be partnering with neighbouring schools and extending our reach to the broader community. As part of our commitment, we’re planning to collaborate with the mental health charity ‘Mind‘, amplifying our impact beyond educational boundaries. 

As part of our design phase of this project, our students shared how music impacts their wellbeing: “Music plays a big role in my life; listening to music on Spotify, to playing instruments with my friends (or by myself) and going to watch live concerts. It really helps me with almost everything, for example when I study, I listen to music so I can concentrate more, before a football game as it helps me focus and have a positive mentality before I step on the field. Also, when I’m stressed or unhappy, I listen to my favourite songs to uplift my mood. I have many playlists of different genres, and I listen to each one depending on how I am feeling and how I want to feel that day”. 

 Another student expressed: “Playing music helps me to relieve stress and uplift my mood when I am feeling down. Music also helps me to express myself and being and meeting other musicians has allowed me to make many friends and feel better about myself. Music helps improve my confidence as I have performed in front of people which is something that I never thought that I could do”.