Breadcrumb Home Transforming Young Lives: Lewisham Mu... Transforming Young Lives: Lewisham Music’s Sonic Minds Copy URL https://www.youthmusic.org.uk/case-study/transforming-young-lives-lewisham-musics-sonic-minds “When I hold the mic, it gives me superpowers.” Discover how Lewisham Music’s Sonic Minds project empowered young people facing trauma and displacement through music. From emotional healing to cultural pride, the London-based initiative has transformed lives with creativity, confidence, and connection. Transforming Young Lives: Lewisham Music’s Sonic Minds Copy URL https://www.youthmusic.org.uk/case-study/transforming-young-lives-lewisham-musics-sonic-minds “When I hold the mic, it gives me superpowers.” Discover how Lewisham Music’s Sonic Minds project empowered young people facing trauma and displacement through music. From emotional healing to cultural pride, the London-based initiative has transformed lives with creativity, confidence, and connection. For many young people navigating trauma, displacement, or care experience, Lewisham Music’s Sonic Minds project - funded by Youth Music - offered more than just music sessions. It became a sanctuary for emotional expression and healing.Participants who initially arrived withdrawn or anxious found their voice through songwriting, drumming, and performance. One young person, through lyrics, shared deep feelings about family, marking a powerful moment of trust and emotional release. Confidence, Self-Belief, and Emotional GrowthThe project sparked remarkable transformations in self-esteem and motivation. Prefna, a 16-year-old from Cameroon, had no prior music training but ended up performing solo at her college’s end-of-year event. “I feel more security in myself,” she shared. Amna, once fearful of singing in front of others, grew into a confident leader of group activities. Mood tracking data confirmed a steady rise in emotional wellbeing, with participants reporting increased positivity and engagement. Creating Belonging Through Shared SoundSonic Minds broke down barriers - linguistic, cultural, and emotional - by using music as a universal language. Young people from diverse backgrounds collaborated, communicated, and built friendships through rhythm and melody. Facilitators observed how hesitant participants soon became active contributors, forming support networks and co-creating music that reflected their shared journeys. Image Real Impact: Stories of ChangeThe sessions empowered young people to celebrate their heritage and identity. Yasmin, from Egypt, taught her peers traditional rhythms. Prefna sang church songs in her native language, accompanied by classmates on djembes. These moments of cultural pride helped participants feel seen and valued in spaces where they can be a minority. As one staff member noted, “They had a pride and a sense that they were able to embrace their own identity." Safe, Inclusive, and Trauma-Informed SpacesInclusivity was at the heart of Sonic Minds. Sessions were co-designed with young people, ensuring cultural relevance and emotional safety. Facilitators, trained in Youth Mental Health First Aid, created calm, supportive environments where participants could engage at their own pace. Whether through breathing exercises, improvisation, or quiet observation, every young person had a way to participate and feel empowered. Image The Sonic Brain: Creativity as AdvocacyThe impact of Sonic Minds extended beyond the workshop walls. The Sonic Brain - an interactive public sculpture - brought the voices and compositions of young participants into libraries, museums, and shopping centres. Audience members described feeling moved and challenged by the stories they heard. The installation not only raised awareness of youth mental health but also celebrated the creativity and resilience of young people too often overlooked. A Lasting Legacy of EmpowermentSonic Minds proves that when young people are given the tools to express themselves, they don’t just heal - they thrive. Through music, they find confidence, connection, and a renewed sense of purpose. As one participant put it: “If I create any music, I can use these skills… it gives me higher energy.” Lewisham Music has helped these young voices be both heard and celebrated. Find out more about Lewisham Music Read next... Join Our Community Be part of the Youth Music movement. Sign up for our newsletter to get the latest updates, events, and opportunities – perfect for industry pros and young creatives. Don’t miss out! Read more Organisations and Projects Discover the organisations and projects working to transform young lives through music. Read more Projects Map Since 1999, Youth Music have supported over 5,000 projects. Explore our interactive map to find projects making a difference where you live. Read more
Join Our Community Be part of the Youth Music movement. Sign up for our newsletter to get the latest updates, events, and opportunities – perfect for industry pros and young creatives. Don’t miss out! Read more
Organisations and Projects Discover the organisations and projects working to transform young lives through music. Read more
Projects Map Since 1999, Youth Music have supported over 5,000 projects. Explore our interactive map to find projects making a difference where you live. Read more
