Sound Sanctuary

The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO) exists to enrich as many lives through music, across the world, as possible.

Sound Sanctuary is the RPO’s programme designed for Brent residents experiencing mental health challenges. According to the NHS’s own Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF), the borough of Brent experiences a much higher prevalence of mental health challenges compared to the national average. There are also disparities in the borough’s access to care and community engagement. 

As a first step, Sound Sanctuary gets people together – reminding citizens that they are never alone. Music then steps in to foster participation, wellbeing, communication, expression and feelings of joy and fulfilment.

Music opens channels of communication, fires the imagination, boosts self-confidence and arouses passions. Its positive effects on mental health have been proven time and again. The World Health Organisation (WHO), meanwhile, has identified 'working with others on creative pursuits' as one of its Five Ways to Wellbeing. 

Sound Sanctuary is designed to supplement and support existing mental health provision. It is conceived to complement existing treatments and therapies and strategically expand the reach of mental health support. The aim is to create connections, build trust, enrich everyday life, bringing joy to local people.

If you’re an adult who is experiencing mental health challenges – or if you simply feel overwhelmed, confused or alone – you are welcome to join us and our musicians for a creative music session in which you can create music with us or just listen and observe while others do. Our professional musicians and Workshop Leaders will introduce musical activities that are proven to provide respite and raise spirits. 

At each session you’ll be offered the chance to help create new pieces of music and songs with our musicians and other workshop participants. We’ll help you try out instruments and come up with your own tunes, rhythms, styles and lyrics through which you can release thoughts, feelings and emotions. 
You don’t need any previous musical experience to take part, and the workshops can range freely through whichever styles and genres of music you want to explore. We’ll provide a range of instruments, but you are also free to bring your own. 

Morning Sessions

These sessions are run in partnership with Brent Mencap and are specifically designed for disabled adults and their carers. 

Afternoon Sessions

These sessions move around the borough each month and are open to anyone experiencing mental health challenges or struggling with their emotions. You can self-refer or be referred by a community or health organisation in the area. 

Participation is free, but prior registration is required. Please complete the below registration form or call 07740 941136 to secure your place.

Sound Sanctuary aims to respond to the full range of situations in which group music-making can provide respite and support for those facing mental health challenges. 

• Young people's wellbeing collective: visiting secondary schools and community settings with music taster sessions, culminating in an intensive two-day project. Youth voices will shape future programme development.
• Trainee leadership programme: nurturing talented local musicians into community workshop leaders, expanding the workforce, and increasing programme sustainability.
• Kingswood Centre partnership: one multi-day music project at Kingswood Centre in collaboration with their resident music therapist, culminating in a recorded performance to support participant reflection, recovery, and continued music-making in the centre.
• Refugee Hotel partnership: one multi-day music project working in collaboration with local arts organisation We Restart in Wembley’s refugee hotel, culminating in a performance.