Solace in Sound NI

01/05/2026

All set up for our music therapy sessions today in Coleraine. Very excited 😆

29/04/2026

🎶 Funding Opportunity – Deadline Tomorrow! 🎶

Important funding opportunity currently available for groups interested in music therapy across Cookstown, Magherafelt, and surrounding areas.

⏰ Closing date: Tomorrow, 30th April at 12 noon
📝 Application process: Simple and straightforward

This is a fantastic chance to support wellbeing through music. As a 5 Steps to Wellbeing Ambassador, I can also see how closely this opportunity aligns with the goals of promoting positive mental health and community connection.

If your group or organisation has an interest in music therapy, I would strongly encourage you to apply before the deadline.

Feel free to reach out if you’d like more information or guidance!
🎵

Open Call for Funding - Now Open !!!!
Mental Health and Su***de Prevention Community Development Project Proposals up to £1,000.
CWSAN, in partnership with the Public Health Agency and Community Networks in the Northern Locality, will support the delivery of a Community Development Model aligned with the Project Life Su***de Strategy to promote Mental Health and Su***de Prevention initiatives.

📍 Areas covered: Cookstown and Magherafelt Areas
🗓 Closes : Thursday 30th April 2026 at 12 noon
Email denise@cwsan.org to request a pack

22/04/2026

This week I’ve been training in Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI), and I’ve been really struck by how closely it connects with trauma-informed music therapy.

A big part of TCI is understanding that in moments of crisis, a person’s nervous system is overwhelmed. It’s not about “behaviour” in the usual sense, it’s about survival responses.

In music therapy, we often meet that same place without needing words. Through rhythm, repetition, and shared musical experiences, we can support co-regulation, helping the body feel a little safer before anything else.

Trauma work reminds us that regulation comes before reflection. Music can offer a gentle, nonverbal way back to safety, especially when language feels out of reach.

It’s been really meaningful to see how these approaches align—different tools, but the same goal: creating safety, connection, and space for healing 🎶

22/04/2026

It’s Autism Awareness Month 💙✨

But here at Solace in Sound, we know awareness alone isn’t enough.

Nonspeaking autistic individuals, especially those with learning or intellectual disabilities, continue to be among the most excluded 💔 Year after year, we see how easily voices are overlooked and expectations are unfairly lowered.

In music therapy, we witness something different 💭💙
Communication is not limited to words. Expression lives in rhythm, melody, movement, and connection. There is always more beneath the surface.

Everyone deserves meaningful support, respect, and genuine inclusion 🤝💛 — not just in April, but every single day.

This is about more than awareness.
It’s about being seen, valued, and truly heard 🩷💙

Message us if you would be interested in music therapy and would like to amplify these voices through sound, connection, and care.

Please say Hi...... 🩷

It’s Autism Awareness Month 💙✨

But even in April, Nonspeaking autistic people with a learning or intellectual disability are still the most excluded 💔 we still see this year after year and we try to always do our best.

Awareness doesn’t always mean inclusion ❤️Too often, support is limited, expectations are lowered, and voices go unheard especially for those who are Nonspeaking.

Communication differences are mistaken for a lack of ability when there is so much more beneath the surface 💭💙

Everyone deserves real support, respect, and true inclusion 🤝💛and that's everyday for these wonderful people

Because this is about more than awareness it’s about the right to be seen, valued, and heard not just in a month but everyday 🩷 💙



Please say Hi if you see this & a kind share to support those we L🩷ve

21/04/2026

TESSA are delighted to bring you TWO summer group opportunities!

These are open to adoptees and birth or foster children living within their household.

For more info and to book, click the links below ⬇️

Creative Academy: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/7rTz26F7qx

Summer Collective: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/11Dv9cHDwL

13/04/2026

Great funding opportunity potentially for music therapy for community groups in Mid Ulster 👇

Funding of up to £1000 is now available to support Mental Health & Su***de Prevention projects in the Cookstown and Magherafelt areas.

At Solace in Sound (NI), we know the powerful role that music therapy can play in supporting emotional wellbeing, connection, and recovery. This funding could help bring more creative, therapeutic projects to our local communities 🎶

If you’re part of a group or organisation, this is definitely worth exploring.

PM me if you would like support in your application.

🗓 Deadline: Thursday 30th April 2026 at 12 noon
📧 Email denise@cwsan.org to request an application pack

Open Call for Funding - Now Open !!!!
Mental Health and Su***de Prevention Community Development Project Proposals up to £1,000.
CWSAN, in partnership with the Public Health Agency and Community Networks in the Northern Locality, will support the delivery of a Community Development Model aligned with the Project Life Su***de Strategy to promote Mental Health and Su***de Prevention initiatives.

📍 Areas covered: Cookstown and Magherafelt Areas
🗓 Closes : Thursday 30th April 2026 at 12 noon
Email denise@cwsan.org to request a pack

10/04/2026

Today feels extra special 💙

Not only is it my birthday (10th April!), but it also falls during World Music Therapy Week, a beautiful reminder of why I do what I do every day.

I feel incredibly grateful to be part of the journey of music therapy through Solace in Sound (NI) and to witness the power of music in connection, expression, and healing. There’s something truly magical about seeing music open doors where words sometimes can’t.

I’m especially looking forward to continuing the celebrations tomorrow at Tobin Centre Moortown , sharing music, creativity, and connection with some amazing young people 🎶

Thank you to everyone who supports, values, and believes in music therapy, and to all those I’ve had the privilege to work with. You make this work so meaningful.

Here’s to another year of music, growth, and connection 💫

10/04/2026

08/04/2026

As a music therapist, I’m deeply aware of how important it is that people have access to support when they need it most, not just during office hours, but at any time of day or night.

If you or someone you know is struggling, Lifeline offers a free, confidential counselling service available 24/7. You don’t have to wait, and you don’t have to go through things alone.

Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious, low, or simply need someone to listen, reaching out can make a real difference.

📞 Call Lifeline: 0808 808 8000
💬 They’re here for you anytime.

Please consider saving this number or sharing it, you never know who might need it.

07/04/2026

🎵 People with Learning Disabilities: Unlocking Potential Through Music 🎵

At Solace in Sound (NI), we believe that music is more than just a melody—it’s a bridge to learning, communication, and growth. For individuals with learning disabilities, music therapy offers unique benefits that go beyond traditional approaches.

✨ Key Benefits of Music Therapy for Learning Disabilities:

1. Enhances Communication: Rhythm, melody, and song can help develop speech, language, and non-verbal communication skills.

2. Boosts Focus & Memory: Musical activities stimulate cognitive functions, improving attention, memory, and learning retention.

3. Supports Emotional Wellbeing: Music provides a safe space for self-expression, reducing stress, frustration, and anxiety.Encourages

4. Social Interaction: Group music sessions foster teamwork, turn-taking, and connection with others.

5. Builds Confidence & Motivation: Success in music activities promotes self-esteem and encourages continued learning.

Every note, beat, and rhythm is an opportunity to grow, connect, and shine. At Solace in Sound (NI), we tailor music therapy sessions to individual needs, helping each person reach their fullest potential.

💡 Discover the power of music, because every learner deserves a chance to thrive.

06/04/2026

Music therapy is more than just playing guitar.
To an outside eye, it might look like I’m “just playing guitar” 🎸

But here’s what’s really happening in a music therapy session…

I’m listening beyond the music.
I’m watching breathing rate, noticing if it’s fast, shallow, or beginning to slow.
I’m adjusting tempo, rhythm, and dynamics in real time to support regulation.
I’m tracking body language, eye contact, and small shifts in energy.
I’m choosing chords, melodies, and repetition patterns that can either soothe or gently stimulate.

I’m thinking about the nervous system, is this person in a state of stress, shutdown, or connection?
I’m using rhythm to help organise movement and timing in the brain.
I’m using melody and harmony to support emotional expression when words aren’t enough.

Sometimes I’m leading.
Sometimes I’m following.
Sometimes I’m holding space in silence.

All of this is grounded in years of training, in psychology, neuroscience, and therapeutic practice, helping me understand how music can support the brain, body, and emotions.

So yes, it might look like a lovely, simple moment of music-making…
But underneath, there’s constant attunement, decision-making, and care.

That’s the work of a music therapist 💛