Leith Agency creates Christmas song in aid of Nordoff Robbins, aiming to raise awareness of mental health problems brought on over the festive period
As Christmas 2021 draws closer, this much-loved time of year for the majority, can be a period which induces anxiety and depression for others. Leith Agency has worked with Gas Music, a music and sound design company, in aid of Nordoff Robbins, the UK’s largest independent music therapy charity, to create a song which promotes positive mental health and well-being over the festive period.
Research has shown that one in four people experience anxiety and depression over Christmas, and experts have found that listening to too much Christmas music can actually exacerbate these feelings and could cause further distress to those suffering. However, research into how music can be used as a tool to combat mental health problems, has found that alternative types of music can help people to feel better. 78% of people use music to improve their mood when feeling anxious, and up to 88% use it to help with their depression.
With this in mind, Leith worked with Gas Music to re-engineer old Christmas hymns and songs into an upbeat track that could help people over the festive period. The track is set to 432 Hz, the frequency which research has shown has a positive effect on mental health and calming effect on the mind. The track also features old interviews with psychiatrists and people living with depression, establishing the importance of talking about the conditions.
John McPartland, Creative Director for Health, Leith, said:“This project gets to the heart of problems people face over the Christmas period, we wanted to help those who live with anxiety and depression whilst also raising awareness to a wider audience. The track itself has taken some very technical fine tuning to ensure that every aspect of the song can help.”
The track was created in aid of Nordoff Robbins, a charity that uses music as a means to enrich the lives of people affected by life-limiting illnesses, isolation or disability. Their specially trained therapists provide music therapy at a number of facilities, including schools, care homes, mental health services and NHS hospitals.
Sandy Trappitt, Head of Partnerships at Nordoff Robbins said: “At Nordoff Robbins we know the positive impact music can have on mental health and well-being. We’re delighted that Leith have developed this campaign in aid of Nordoff Robbins and hope it leads to wider awareness of the part that music has to play in helping people facing challenges with anxiety or depression at this time”[1]
The song can be listened to and downloaded via SoundCloud, link here:
