about

Key Changes provides music services in hospitals and the community for people affected by severe and enduring mental health problems. We aim to promote recovery and encourage progression to new life opportunities through a structured programme of creative and vocational music activities.

Music can play a valuable role in recovery from mental illness. It can stimulate emotional, aesthetic and spiritual responses, develop social and physical skills, improve expression, communication and confidence, and facilitate positive changes in behaviour and wellbeing.

We specialise in designing services that are accessible to young people and adults who are experiencing early onset psychosis, schizophrenia, bi polar disorder and other severe mental illnesses. This target group is often regarded as "hard to reach" and may be unresponsive to conventional therapies or non-compliant with medication.

Our culturally relevant musical styles and activities encourage engagement. We welcome referrals from early intervention, forensic, assertive outreach and related in-patient and community mental health services.

Key Changes services:

• In-reach services in acute psychiatric care settings
• Music workshops for mental health service users in the community
• Training and volunteering opportunities
• Concerts and events at mainstream venues

Service features:

• Workshops in song writing and composition, DJ-ing, music technology, sound recording, video production
• Culturally relevant musical genres including hip hop, rock, reggae, soul, dubstep, d'n'b, etc.
• Delivered in professional music studios by music mentors with mental health training
• Certificate and CD recording on completion
• Progression routes to mentor training and volunteering opportunities

Added value:

• Referral service, pre-start interviews and risk assessments
• Group work to promote creative collaboration and foster social wellbeing
• Safe, supportive and friendly environments
• Inclusive, non-judgemental approach
• Ongoing monitoring and care coordinator contact throughout engagement
• Signposting to appropriate services and support with progression routes
• Up to date protocols, safeguarding policies, CRB disclosures, public liability
• Outcomes recorded and measured through feedback and evaluation

We currently provide in-reach services and community programmes in North and South London for over 300 service users a year.

We take referrals from health and social care professionals including care coordinators, psychologists, psychiatric nurses, social workers, occupational therapists and other key workers. For more information see the Referrals page.