Impact & Stories
What changes for the people who take part, how we measure it, and their stories in their own words.
How we count. 110+ participants supported: Individual people who have taken part in at least one Play Northwest programme or session. We count people, not attendances. 94% reported improved wellbeing: Of the 110 participants who completed both our start and end wellbeing check, the share who reported an improvement. From the September 2026 cohort onwards we use the validated SWEMWBS scale (Short Warwick–Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale). Moving to SWEMWBS means future outcomes data meets the standard NHS and major-funder evidence threshold. We’d rather refine a real number than inflate an unverified one.
Case study — James’s story
James (name changed) was referred to Play Northwest by his support worker after months of social withdrawal following a mental-health crisis. He had disengaged from college, was rarely leaving his flat, and described himself as “switched off” from things he used to enjoy.
He joined our 12-week flagship programme nervously and almost dropped out after week two. The facilitator paired him with a peer mentor, and by week four he was leading on track selection for the group set. Field-recording sessions in his local community gave him a reason to be outdoors again — something he later described as the turning point.
By the final showcase, James performed a live DJ set to an audience of forty people, including his family. Twelve months on, he is enrolled on a Level 3 Music Production course at college and now volunteers as a peer supporter on our newer cohorts. His self-reported wellbeing score improved from 3/10 at intake to 8/10 at exit.
Name and identifying details changed to protect participant privacy. Outcome data drawn from pre/post wellbeing surveys.
How We Measure Impact
Every course uses the same simple method, so we can show what changes for people and keep improving. Taking part in evaluation is optional and never affects anyone’s place, and funders only see anonymous, combined results.
- Wellbeing: the validated SWEMWBS (Short Warwick–Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale) at the start, middle and end of each course
- Attendance: a register at every session
- Experience: short feedback forms, including how connected people feel
- Skills: a checklist of what each person has learned, from mixing to performing
- Progression: a follow-up three months after the course
- Reporting: an anonymous summary of each course’s results, published here after it ends
In their own words
“I’d been struggling with my mental health for a long time and I’d stopped going out. The sessions gave me a reason to leave the house each week. The group felt safe straight away — no pressure, no judgement — and by the end I was looking forward to seeing everyone. It’s the most connected I’ve felt in years.”
— Programme participantWhat We Track
Wellbeing
SWEMWBS wellbeing scores at the start, middle and end of each course, tracking changes in mood, energy and overall mental health.
Connection
Measuring social connection, sense of belonging, and relationship quality. Do participants feel more connected to their peers and community?
Confidence
Tracking self-confidence and self-esteem across the programme. From first session nerves to performing on stage at the final showcase.
Skills
New skills gained — DJ technique, music production, digital literacy, teamwork, and communication. Skills that last beyond the programme.
Engagement
Attendance rates, session enjoyment scores, and retention across the 12-week programme. Are participants choosing to come back?
Voice
Qualitative feedback in participants’ own words. What did they enjoy most? How did it make them feel? What would they change?
5 Steps to Mental Wellbeing Outcomes
Every session maps to at least one of the NHS 5 Steps to Mental Wellbeing.
Connect
Group music-making builds bonds and a genuine sense of belonging. Participants form friendships that last beyond the programme.
Keep Learning
Every session teaches something new — from beatmatching to sound design. Learning builds confidence and purpose.
Be Active
Field recording walks, movement through music, hands-on creative activity. Getting out of the house and into the community.
Take Notice
Sound healing and mindful listening help participants slow down, tune in, and become more aware of themselves and their surroundings.
Give
Creating music for others, mentoring peers, and performing at the community showcase. Giving back through creativity.
Early Intervention Through Music
We believe that reaching people early — before issues escalate — is the most effective way to support mental health. Traditional clinical services often have long waiting lists and can feel intimidating.
Our music-based approach offers an alternative pathway. Music is the hook that draws people in. Wellbeing is the outcome. By embedding mental health support within creative, engaging activities, we reach people who would never walk into a clinical setting.
This is preventive, not reactive. It’s about building resilience, connection, and confidence before crisis point — saving people from suffering and saving services from the cost of late intervention.
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