WELLBEING HUB
At Orchestras for All, protecting the health and wellbeing of our community is a top priority.
If you’re a young person and struggling with how you feel – whether that’s due to a mental health condition, social media pressures or personal circumstances – take a look through some of the resources below to help you find the right support.
You might also want to consider visiting your doctor, speaking to your school nurse or counselling service, confiding in a close friend or family member, or getting in touch with your local council to find out what additional support is available.
Students share their thoughts on the impact of music on wellbeing during a Modulo Meet at Royal Academy of Music in London.
5 of the best ways to protect your wellbeing
Pictured: A group of National Orchestra for All (NOFA) musicians enjoy their lunch break at CBSO Centre in Birmingham ahead of their performance.
Stay connected
When you’re feeling down or anxious, don’t be afraid to talk to your friends, family members or guardians about your emotions. Reach out to others if you need them – a quick chat with someone who knows how to cheer you up could brighten your day.
Be active
Keep moving! Try to stay healthy through regular exercise – it works wonders for your mental health. Take walks, bike rides or even spare a few moments for a morning stretch.
Take notice
When times get hard, focus on the present moment and practice mindfulness. Take notice of how you or your friends seem to feel, tune in to your surroundings to help you stay grounded, and breathe deeply to achieve a sense of calm.
Learn
In life, we never stop learning! Try to engage your mind as much as you can – not only will you be picking up a handy new skill, it’ll boost your confidence too.
Give
And finally, give. Random acts of kindness will make both you and others around you feel great! Take part in a social action project, volunteer, phone a friend or family member – the opportunities are endless. What will you give today?
A friendly chat is just a phone call away. Picture: Unsplash
Pictured: National Orchestra for All’s friendly Wellbeing Tutors
Helpful resources
Call 0808 808 4994
Crisis messenger – text YM to 85258
CEOP – Report abuse online
Mind – Support for children and young people
Call 0800 1111
Call 116 123
☀️ Instagram positivity for young people ☀️
Follow these accounts for further advice on mental health or give yourself a boost with a good news story – remember, you’re never alone and social media can be a force for good when you find the right network.
National Orchestra for All musicians at their summer 2023 residential.
Using technology safely
The time we spend in front of our screens and devices has increased as a result of the pandemic, so it’s important for us to be aware of the associated risks.
Are you worried about your screen usage? Is spending more time online affecting how you feel, or even how well you sleep?
Find out more about screen addictions and how to develop healthy habits using this handy guide.
