Empowering young minds: The importance of young people’s mental wellbeing

Helping the next generation to flourish…

At Orchestras for All (OFA), we recognise the importance of supporting young people’s mental health. That’s why our life-changing musical programmes aim to provide a safe and inclusive environment where young people can grow in confidence, develop resilience and express themselves creatively.

At all our charity’s events, we have a dedicated Head of Wellbeing and Wellbeing tutors to further our ongoing commitment and evolving approach to wellbeing. Through this approach, we aim to equip young people with the tools they need to navigate life’s challenges, enabling them to thrive and be the best version of themselves.

To mark Children’s Mental Health Week this year, we’re taking a moment to share why supporting young people is so crucial in our ever-changing world and a few ways this can be encouraged.

Read more: 7 powerful benefits of inclusive music education >

Why is supporting young people’s mental health so important?

Modulo musicians enjoying a break from rehearsals

In the UK, the number of young people experiencing mental health problems is at an all-time high. With one in five children and young people aged 8-25 struggling with mental health difficulties and particularly following the effects of the pandemic, it has never been more important for us to take action. 

Taking a proactive approach to mental health early on can prevent other challenges from arising later in life. At OFA, we strive to support young people’s wellbeing from the very moment we start working together, helping them to develop healthy coping mechanisms, build self-esteem, enhance their emotional intelligence and set themselves up for a brighter future.

Plus, providing the right support doesn’t just benefit young people – it can also help society to become healthier and more empathetic as a whole.

Read more: 11 ways playing music with others can boost your wellbeing >

The impact of social media on mental health

It’s no secret that social media can be a fantastic tool for expressing ourselves creatively, connecting with likeminded groups of people and driving positive change.

However, a recent study from Yale Medicine found that children and teenagers who spend more than three hours a day on social media are at twice the risk of experiencing anxiety, depression and issues with self-esteem.

Last summer, a participant from our Modulo Programme told us: “The modern pressures we experience are definitely coming from social media. Although it can help a lot, there’s a bad side that comes with it.”

Taking place this year on 11 February 2025, Safer Internet Day is dedicated to highlighting how we can tackle the problem collectively, providing young people with safe methods of protecting themselves from online scams and sharing where they can seek support, should they need it.

Read more: 13 ways you can be kind to others in an inclusive youth orchestra >

How can you support young people’s mental health?

National Orchestra for All Ambassadors Tashan (left) and Haseeb (right) with percussionist Isaac (middle)

Keen to help but don’t know where to start? Here are a few top tips to get you started:

1. Encourage open communication: Creating a safe space where young people feel comfortable expressing their feelings without judgment is vital. Active listening and validating their emotions helps to build trust and resilience.

2. Support creativity and self-expression: Engaging in creative activities, such as music, art and writing, provides young people with a constructive outlet for their emotions. At Orchestras for All, we see firsthand how music positively impacts young people, boosting their confidence and emotional wellbeing.

3. Promote a balanced lifestyle: Encouraging a balanced lifestyle that includes exercise, restful sleep and time away from screens supports overall mental and emotional health.

4. Know where to find help: There are lots of organisations that can provide support for young people experiencing mental health difficulties – you can find helpful resources on our wellbeing page.

At Orchestras for All, we remain committed to nurturing the wellbeing of everyone we work with, whether that’s the inspiring young people who participate in our programmes or the caring staff that help make them happen.

If we work together to create safe and supportive environments, we can empower young people to navigate life’s challenges with confidence and give them the chance to thrive.

Have you been affected by the topic of this blog or are you currently experiencing mental health struggles? Please head to our wellbeing page for information about where you can receive the right support:

7 ways to support musicians in the LGBTQIA+ community

Take action and make a difference today.

At Orchestras for All (OFA), we fully support the LGBTQIA+ community and know that by doing so, it contributes towards creating a world that is more just, equitable and inclusive for all – regardless of people’s sexual orientation or gender identity.

We believe that everyone deserves to be treated with the same level of respect and dignity, free of discrimination and prejudice – and with many members of the LGBTQIA+ community often facing higher rates of anxiety, depression and other mental health conditions, supporting them also means advocating for their health and wellbeing, boosting their confidence and promoting a sense of belonging.

Celebrating diversity enriches our society, bringing us together in new and meaningful ways. This has never been more apparent than it is in the music sector today, so here are seven ways you can support musicians in the LGBTQIA+ community.

Read more: ‘Before joining National Orchestra for All, I felt helpless – but now I’ve grown in confidence and independence,’ says autistic double bass player, Noah >

1. Listen to LGBTQIA+ music

One of the easiest ways you can support LGBTQIA+ musicians is to discover and listen to their work. Popular music streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music and Tidal have curated playlists featuring LGBTQIA+ artists, or you can stay up to date about new releases by following them on social media.

You could also attend LGBTQIA+ music festivals, listen to radio stations that play music exclusively from the LGBTQIA+ community – such as Pride Radio and Hits Radio Pride – or ask for personal recommendations from friends and community members.

2. Donate to LGBTQIA+-friendly organisations

National Orchestra for All Ambassador, Mars, supports the ensemble at their Nottingham rehearsals

In the UK, there are so many inspiring organisations that support the LGBTQIA+ community, including Stonewall, Galop, Mermaids, MindOut and the Human Rights Campaign.

We’re also proud to be LGBTQIA+-friendly here at Orchestras for All, welcoming all young musicians and staff to our diverse, inclusive and often life-changing musical programmes regardless of where they come from or how they choose to identify. Please support our work and donate what you can today:

3. Create safe spaces for LGBTQIA+ musicians

A selection of fidget toys and crafts in the wellbeing room at a National Orchestra for All course

National Orchestra for All Wellbeing Tutor, Xia-Leon, said: “A great place to start is by asking everyone to include their pronouns when introducing themselves in group environments, and respect these and the language aligned with them at all times. Combined with non-gendered dress codes, this will help trans and gender non-conforming members of your organisations and communities to feel welcome and safe to present as their authentic selves.”

During NOFA courses, members and staff also have access to a “wellbeing room” where they can go to relax, recharge and take care of their physical and mental health in a calming space. Comfy seating, sensory toys, meditative tools, reading material and friendly faces from the wellbeing team are all effective ways of ensuring our young musicians – including those from the LGBTQIA+ community – always feel safe and supported when they need time out from rehearsals or performing.

4. Buy LGBTQIA+ music and attend shows

In today’s digital world, it can be all too easy for us to rely solely on streaming as a means of consuming music – and especially when so much of it is freely available. Purchasing music written by your favourite LGBTQIA+ artists or showing your support by attending their live events goes a long way in keeping up the momentum within the community.

As well as selling music via their websites, popular platform Bandcamp is often used by independent musicians to sell their work directly to fans, or you can team up with a friend on the weekend and seek out hidden gems in your local record store.

5. Share LGBTQIA+ music on social media

From TikTok and Twitter to Instagram and Snapchat, social media platforms are growing faster than ever – and let’s face it, they won’t be slowing down anytime soon. To increase the visibility of your favourite LGBTQIA+ musicians, help them reach a wider audience and connect with others who might enjoy their work, one of the quickest ways you can act is by sharing links to their work with your followers – and as regularly as you can!

If you’re a bit of a wordsmith, you might even want to consider writing reviews and tagging artists in your post using relevant hashtags, such as #LGBTQIA+Music or #QueerArtists.

6. Include LGBTQIA+ music in your choice of repertoire

If you’re a member of a youth orchestra or choir, why not make a suggestion to perform some of the music you’ve discovered live in concert? As part of OFA’s repertoire last season, National Orchestra for All performed ‘Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra’ by composer Benjamin Britten, who was an openly gay man.

Orchestral covers of songs famously associated with the LGBTQIA+ community – including Queen’s 1984 rock hit, ‘I Want to Break Free’, Lady Gaga’s chart-topping tune, ‘Born This Way’, and Gloria Gaynor’s disco anthem, ‘I Will Survive’ – can also be a powerful way to celebrate and amplify people’s voices and experiences.

7. Advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights

National Orchestra for All members rehearse on stage at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire

Finally, take the time to educate yourself on LGBTQIA+ history and the rights movement. Use your voice to speak up whenever you hear homophobic or transphobic remarks and raise awareness about some of the key issues people face today.

Support politicians and policies that promote equality, engage with charities that are committed to implementing positive change and become an ally for your LGBTQIA+ friends, family and colleagues. By taking these steps, you can help to create a more inclusive and accepting society for LGBTQIA+ musicians.

Keen to support young LGBTQIA+ musicians from across the UK?
Please donate what you can to Orchestras for All: