Where your funding becomes wellbeing
We partner with funders who share our belief that creativity, connection, and mental health should not be a privilege.
Why fund Play North West
Across Merseyside, thousands of people — particularly young people with SEND, adults managing mental health challenges, and those who have fallen through the gaps of statutory services — struggle to access creative, community-based wellbeing support. Traditional services are stretched, waiting lists are long, and stigma keeps many away.
We use music — DJing, production, field recording, and sound healing — as a non-clinical route into engagement, connection, and measurable wellbeing improvement. Because it doesn’t look like therapy, people show up. And because it works, they keep coming back.
Our theory of change
1. Music
Hands-on creative sessions remove barriers to engagement.
2. Engagement
Participants build skills, confidence, and peer connection.
3. Wellbeing
Measurable improvement in mood, purpose, and social inclusion.
4. Reduced demand
Less reliance on statutory mental health and crisis services.
Impact at a glance
“The sessions made me feel like I had a purpose and it has inspired me to join college studying music. Before the sessions I felt nervous and didn’t know what to expect, after the first week I couldn’t wait for the next session. I recommend this to anyone even if — like me — you have had no prior knowledge of making music.”
— Programme participant
What your funding supports
- Programme delivery — trained facilitators, session planning, and wellbeing measurement
- Equipment — DJ decks, mixers, field recorders, singing bowls, production laptops
- Venues & transport — accessible community spaces across Merseyside
- Evaluation — wellbeing scoring, participant feedback, outcome reporting
- Bursary places — free access for those who couldn’t otherwise attend
Download our information pack
A short PDF summary covering programmes, outcomes, costs, and case studies.
Download Info Pack (PDF)Safeguarding & DBS
Play North West CIC is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children, young people, and adults at risk who take part in our programmes. All staff, volunteers, and freelancers hold an Enhanced DBS check and complete safeguarding training before delivering any session.
Our full safeguarding policy is published below and reviewed annually. Our Designated Safeguarding Lead is John Paul Randles (hello@playnorthwestcic.com).
Safeguarding policy
Full policy covering legal framework, reporting routes (Merseyside MASH numbers), code of conduct, DBS process, and training requirements.
Download Safeguarding Policy (PDF)Apply for a DBS check: all applicants must hold an Enhanced DBS certificate before working with our participants. Apply via one of the following umbrella bodies, then register for the free DBS Update Service:
- uCheck — recommended; free for volunteers
- GBGroup
- Disclosure Services
- DBS Update Service — register within 30 days of receiving your certificate
Let’s talk
We’d love to discuss how your funding could scale this work across Merseyside.