Project Deep Dive - CYP Social Prescription Service

SoundLincs is proud to launch Lincolnshire's first Children and Young People's Social Prescription Service, a pioneering creative health programme that uses the power of music to support young people aged 10–18 experiencing poor mental health, loneliness, social isolation and other barriers to wellbeing. The service offers a personalised, music-based approach that places each young person's interests, strengths and aspirations at the centre of their journey. Through one-to-one support, group music-making and opportunities to connect with local creative and community activities, young people are empowered to build confidence, improve their mental wellbeing and develop meaningful relationships in a safe, welcoming and non-judgemental environment.

Unlike traditional clinical interventions, music social prescribing recognises that wellbeing is influenced by much more than healthcare alone. Feeling connected to others, having a sense of purpose, expressing yourself creatively and belonging to a supportive community are all essential to good mental health. Music provides a powerful and accessible way to achieve this, creating opportunities for self-expression, emotional regulation, social connection and personal growth, regardless of previous musical experience or ability.

The project is built around a continuous Inreach–Outreach–Skills Development pathway, designed to meet children and young people where they are in their mental health journey. This approach allows longer contact time, deeper engagement, and sustained impact.

Phase 1: Inreach (Stabilisation & Engagement)

Inreach focuses on pre-referral support and initial engagement in vulnerable settings, prioritising emotional safety, containment, and building trust. Participants access flexible, person-centred music sessions that provide creative opportunities while supporting emotional regulation. In schools and Alternative Provisions these sessions include activities such as DJing, music production, and instrumental workshops. Within residential care homes, specialised creative health activities are delivered to support social interaction and non-verbal communication, tailored to the needs of each setting.

Phase 2: Outreach (Community Integration & Confidence Building)

In the Outreach phase, participants transition, or are referred, into structured community-based support, focusing on social participation, emotional resilience, and skill development. For participants facing specific barriers such as social anxiety or transport difficulties, twelve one-hour, goal-oriented one-to-one sessions are provided, including activities such as learning an instrument, writing an original song, or using music software. These one-to-one sessions act as a bridge into sustainable community groups, which form the core of our focused delivery model. Our community groups run weekly, providing a relaxed, low-pressure environment for shared music-making, peer support, and social connection. Bespoke groups are also offered to respond to local needs, including autism-specific sessions, enhancing adaptive creative health interventions.

Phase 3: Skills Development (Progression and Reintegration)

The final phase supports long-term engagement and promotes positive relationships with educational environments. Participants who have stabilised and gained confidence transition into structured SoundLincs courses delivered at regional institutions such as the University of Lincoln and Boston College. These programmes are designed to develop transferable skills including teamwork, time management, and accountability, while fostering positive engagement with education and insight into future opportunities. Participants are offered training and support to become peer mentors or volunteers, allowing them to re-engage with earlier-phase groups as advocates and contributors to creative health interventions. Delivery is coordinated within one key institution per district to ensure geographical distance does not impede access, and local partners provide clear signposting to further education or employment pathways.

Participant Journey Flowchart

Our participants’ phased interventions are demonstrated through the following flowchart: