About Play Northwest
We’re a not-for-profit company using music to improve mental health for people of all ages across Merseyside.
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Our Story
Play Northwest is the trading name of Play North West CIC, a Community Interest Company registered in England & Wales (Company No. 15796794), founded by John Paul Randles — a professional musician, DJ, music producer and tutor, and a health-and-social-care practitioner with over a decade of experience across 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 has a deep, lived understanding of the unique strengths and challenges that can come with additional needs. That lived experience has shaped every part of how Play Northwest works — from session design to sensory-friendly pacing to how we communicate with families before a young person ever walks into the room.
Today, Play Northwest CIC delivers a 12-week music-and-wellbeing flagship programme and four ongoing services from our Prescot venue in Knowsley, alongside Connect & Support UK — a free national mental-wellbeing app we build and operate ourselves. Together the in-person work and the app reach people across Merseyside and beyond, including those failed by or unable to access traditional clinical pathways.
We have supported 100+ participants to date — individual people who have taken part in at least one of our programmes or sessions. Of the 110 who completed both our start and end wellbeing check, 94% reported improved wellbeing — and from the September 2026 cohort onwards we use the validated SWEMWBS (Short Warwick–Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale) so future outcomes data meets the standard NHS and major-funder evidence threshold.
Play Northwest CIC was born from the belief that two worlds — professional music expertise and frontline 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.
Real Music Skills, With Proper Support
Our founder is a working DJ and producer with over a decade in health and social care, so sessions combine real creative skills with safe, informed support.
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.
Profits Go Back Into the Community
As a Community Interest Company (CIC) registered in England and Wales, we’re legally bound to use our money for community benefit. Any surplus is reinvested in our programmes.
Company Registration No. 15796794
Want to Work With Us?
Schools, organisations and funders: if you want to bring music-based wellbeing to the people you support, let’s talk.