Free Online 6-Week Programme for autistic young people aged 18 – 24

  • Has your mental health and sense of well-being been affected by the Covid pandemic?
  • Would you appreciate a safe, creative space to explore your sense of autistic identity and meet other autistic young people?
  • Would you like to explore different ways of expressing yourself, especially when words can be difficult?
  • Are you struggling with emotional regulation, anxiety or low mood and would like to learn about how music could help you?

Programme Design

The Music for Wellbeing groups will explore topics such as self-expression, emotional regulation, personal identity, self-confidence, creativity and self-care through a range of musical and creative activities. The weekly sessions, facilitated by Hilary Davies (HCPC-registered Music Therapist) will be held on Zoom and will last for 90 minutes each (including a ten-minute break).

Group 1 Beginners

Tuesdays from 20th Sept – 25th Oct 2022

Group 2 Intermediate
Tuesdays from 8th Nov – 13th Dec 2022

Times: 7:30 pm (Dublin/London) / 2:30 pm (New York)

Duration: 90 minutes

Location: Zoom Online

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PROGRAMME CONTENT:

Group One

6 weekly sessions (Sep 20-Oct 25)

This is suitable for you if you feel you don't have much musical experience, or if you don't yet feel confident making music yourself. This group will focus on exploring how listening to music can help with emotional regulation (including creating music playlists together), experiencing guided relaxation activities with musical accompaniment (such as mindful breathing and simple visualisations), and creatively responding to music using drawing or writing. We will consider how we can use music as a form of self-care, and there will be an opportunity for group discussions for those who feel comfortable participating. There is no obligation to speak or to have your camera on if you do not wish to.

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Group Two

6 weekly sessions (Nov 8-Dec 12)

Following Group 1, this is suitable for you if you have previously attended Group 1, or if you already feel ready to participate in some musical activities. We will be exploring rhythm activities and simple musical improvisation, creating music together based on a theme, group song-writing and group discussions. If you don’t have musical instruments at home, there are many other options which will be explained, such as music apps, singing, body percussion or making simple instruments at home. There is never any obligation to take part in the musical activities, to have your camera on, or to participate in group discussions if you would prefer not to.

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White woman with long dark hair standing in front of a green screen holding a wind musical instrument

Hilary Davies

Music Therapist

I have played music for almost my whole life (since the age of 7): music has always been deeply important to me, providing solace in times of distress, a way to express my feelings, and a way to communicate with others that do not involve words, and a way to connect with other people, whether other musicians or audience members. After performing and teaching music for nearly twenty years, I chose to retrain as a music therapist, achieving a Master's degree in Music Therapy (with distinction) from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in 2019. I practice music therapy with a Neurodiversity-affirmative and person-centred approach, supported by my extensive knowledge of music and my deep commitment to sharing the transformative power of music with others.

Qualifications: MA in Music Therapy (with distinction) from Guildhall School of Music and Drama, MA (Cantab.), and BA (Hons. 2:1) in Music from the University of Cambridge
Pronouns: she/her
Neurodivergence(s): Autism

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