About Play Northwest
A Community Interest Company using music to improve mental health and wellbeing for people of all ages across the Northwest.
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Our Story
Play Northwest CIC was founded by John Paul Randles — a professional musician, DJ, music Producer and Tutor. With over a decade of experience working as a health and social care practitioner in the NHS, home care, prison healthcare, and mental health settings.
Through years of working with people facing mental health challenges, John Paul saw first-hand how many people fall through the gaps of traditional clinical services. At the same time, he witnessed the transformative power of music — how a DJ session could light up a room, how creating a beat could unlock confidence, and how the vibrations of a singing bowl could bring calm to someone in distress.
As a parent of a child with autism, John Paul developed a deep, lived understanding of the unique strengths and challenges that can come with additional needs. This personal experience has shaped his approach, allowing him to create calm, supportive, and adaptable environments where every person can feel safe and understood.
Play Northwest CIC was born from the belief that these two worlds — professional music expertise and health and social care experience — could come together to create something genuinely different. A space where people of all ages can connect, express themselves, and build wellbeing through the universal language of music.
What Makes Us Different
Our unique hybrid model brings together skills and experience you won’t find anywhere else.
Professional Music Expertise
Our founder is a working DJ, music producer, and tutor. Sessions are led by someone who lives and breathes music — not just someone who studied it from a textbook.
Health & Social Care Background
With experience across NHS, prison healthcare, and mental health services, we understand safeguarding, trauma-informed practice, and the real challenges people face.
Sound Healing & Therapeutic Practice
We go beyond standard music workshops by incorporating sound healing, chakra-based therapy, and mindful listening — creating a truly therapeutic experience.
Non-Clinical Pathway
We reach people who won’t engage with clinical services. Music is the hook — wellbeing is the outcome. No waiting lists, no stigma, just creativity.
Safeguarding First
All staff are DBS-checked and trained in safeguarding. We follow best-practice guidelines for working with children, young people, and vulnerable adults — in every session.
Our Values
Inclusive
Everyone is welcome. No musical experience needed. All ages, all backgrounds. We meet people where they are.
Safe
We create safe, nurturing environments where participants feel comfortable to explore and express themselves.
Creative
Music is at the heart of everything we do. We believe creativity is a powerful tool for healing and growth.
Community-Led
As a CIC, everything we do is for the benefit of our community. Our participants shape what we deliver.
Evidence-Based
Our programmes are built on the NHS 5 Steps to Mental Wellbeing framework and we track impact to prove what works.
Passionate
We genuinely care. This isn't just a job — it's a mission to use music to change lives.
Community Interest Company
Play Northwest is registered as a Community Interest Company (CIC) in England and Wales. This means we are a social enterprise — any profits are reinvested into our community programmes. We exist solely to benefit the people and communities we serve.
Company Registration No. 15796794
Want to Work With Us?
We’re always looking for schools, organisations, and funders who share our vision.