How music brings us together for better mental health

Written by ‘For Men To Talk’ founder, Luke Newman

Last weekend, I was thrilled to see one of my favourite bands, The Brand New Heavies, at the Cambridge Corn Exchange. The energy, the crowd, and the music—it was all incredible. Music has always been a powerful part of my life, and I truly believe it supports my own mental health. At this gig, I had an unexpected but important experience that reinforced just how valuable music can be.

Before the band hit the stage, I wandered through the venue’s foyer and noticed a stall called Tonic Music. They were there to promote something close to my heart—the positive link between music and mental health. As the founder of ‘For Men To Talk’, a peer support group offering in-person, virtual, walking, and fishing meetings, I knew I had to chat with them.

I got into a conversation with the Tonic Music representative, and we shared our similar missions to support mental health through community connection. It was wonderful to see that Tonic Music is on the same journey, using music to connect people and improve mental well-being. Tonic Music, based in Portsmouth, started in 2012 with the belief that participation in music is good for mental health. They have since grown into a registered charity that serves music communities across the UK, both in-person and online.

What stood out to me was how they’ve expanded from simply raising awareness about mental health to actively supporting people in music. Their team includes experienced mental health practitioners who have a personal or professional connection to music. Their goal is clear: to help people in the music community stay mentally healthy, whether they’re professionals in the industry, fans, or young people just getting started.

Tonic Music has tailored their mental health support to reach three main groups in the music community:

• Music Industry – people who professionally engage in music called ‘Tonic Rider’
• Music Fans – people who recreationally engage in music called ‘Never Mind The Stigma’
• Music Youth – organisations engaging young adults in music called ‘Tonic Futures’

Through these programmes, Tonic Music offers practical mental health support. They run therapeutic sessions, peer groups, preventive workshops, and even training courses. Additionally, they create unique mental health resources like zines, posters, and other materials that are shared in music venues, studios, and retailers. Their support also extends front-of-house and backstage at gigs and festivals, making sure people know they’re not alone, wherever they are in the music world.

Talking to Tonic Music’s representative reminded me of why ‘For Men To Talk’ exists—to create a space where people can open up, connect, and find support. It was inspiring to see another organization using the power of music to do the same. Mental health support can come in so many forms, whether through peer discussions, listening to music, or playing an instrument. Together, we can make a difference for each other.

For more about ‘For Men To Talk’, and to join one of our meetings, visit our website or social media. And, if you’re part of the music community, check out Tonic Music’s programmes to see how they can support you.