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The power of music on mental health: Press Play on Joy

When words feel too hard, music can speak for you. Whether you’re pumping up a play list that matches your mood, learning an instrument, singing in the shower or just vibing to your favourite track, music has the power to lift you up, help you process emotions and connect with others.

Did you know listening to or creating music can reduce stress, boost your confidence, and even help you focus? It’s one of the powerful tools in your wellbeing toolkit, and it’s something you can access anytime, anywhere.

 

 

JustTalk Week 2025

17 - 21 November

During Just Talk Week 2025 we're exploring how music supports your mental health and wellbeing. We’re encouraging young people across Hertfordshire to discover the positive impact that music can have on how you feel. This could be creating your own mood-boosting playlist, trying out a new instrument, or taking time to listening to your favourite tracks that make you feel good.

Remember looking after your mental health is just as important as looking after your physical health. Music is just one of the many ways that you can support your emotional wellbeing. If you are struggling remember that ‘it is ok, not to be ok’. 

 

How does music help our mental health? 

Express yourself

Express

Music gives you a way to share or experience feelings that are hard to put into words.

Connect with others 

Chat

Sharing music or playing music together builds friendships and reminds you that you are not alone.

Boost your mood 

boost

The right track can instantly lift your spirits, it can take you back to a happy time and remind you that your current feelings won’t last forever.

Create calm 

Calm

Music can help you relax, focus, or wind down after a stressful day.

How to get involved this year?

There are lots of ways you can be part of The Power of music campaign this November:

1. Enter our Song Lyric Writing Competition

Got something to say? Put it into words and music! Whether you are into writing song lyrics, creating melodies or both- we want to hear from you. This is your chance to win a £50 high street voucher for each key stage winner!

No experience needed. Our only ask is no explicit lyrics please! Details on how to enter can be found here: Just Talk Week Song Writing Competition 2025

2. Tune into our online sessions

Joing OLLIE and Eletric umbrella for exclusive online sessions exploring music and mental health. They will be sharing tips, inspiration and guidance on how you can use music to support your wellbeing. Follow @JustTalkHerts on Instagram, facebook and X to find out more.


 

Mental health information for young people

Five Ways to Wellbeing

Research shows that there are simple actions that help us to feel good:

  • Connect
  • Be active
  • Keep learning
  • Take notice
  • Give

They’re called the Five Ways to Wellbeing, and they form the foundation of the challenge above!

Doing these five things as much as you can is a great way to look after your emotional wellbeing.

Find out more about wellbeing and easy ways to improve your mood:

Herts CC - Five Ways to Wellbeing for Children (Web version)

Herts CC - Five Ways to Wellbeing for Young People (Web version)

Early help: If you’re experiencing difficulties and need support

If you’re experiencing difficulties, feelings of anxiety or low mood, or while you are adjusting to changes in life you could talk to your parent, carer, teacher or Mental Health Lead at your school, or your GP.  There are also lots of services in Hertfordshire offering support.

Information on where to find support

Emotional help at a glance (PDF 94KB) for young people in Hertfordshire.

Just Talk listens to challenges young people face and has information to help all year round.

We create tools and resources in response to your concerns, and in collaboration with young people, to make sure they suit your needs.

Find advice and support for your worries

If you're experiencing or are worried about bullying

 

Information for Parents and Carers

What to do if your child tells you they struggling

For primary school ages (PDF 122KB)

For secondary school ages (PDF 173KB)

The Children’s Wellbeing Practitioner Service provides early intervention emotional wellbeing and mental health support to children and young people aged 5-19 who would benefit from early intervention, low intensity support.

Early Help for Children and Young People

If your child is feeling low, anxious, or generally struggling, there are lots of services available to help, all year round.

Information on where to get help

You can also find lots of information and services catered to parents and carers on our advice page. 

Five Ways to Wellbeing

Research shows that there are ways to improve personal wellbeing.

Encourage your child find out more about wellbeing and easy ways to improve their mood:

For primary school age

For secondary school age