Children up and down the country find their sense of belonging through music

11 February 2026

Schools and pupils across the country are celebrating Children's Mental Health Week 2026 through the power of music. One London school were treated to a Lang Lang Foundation workshop, while another school in Sunderland filmed a music video of a song they wrote.

Music workshop visits North London school

Acclaimed Musician Guy Chambers made a special visit to Deansbrook Junior School in North London today, where he helped the children create a school anthem based on the theme ‘This is My Place’. The collaboration provided a unique opportunity for children to express themselves creatively, reflect on their values, and experience the transformative power of music.

Best known for his long-term partnership with Robbie Williams, co-writing hits like "Angels," "Let Me Entertain You," and "Rick DJ", Guy is one of the most successful British composers/producers of his generation. Commenting ahead of the visit, he said: "Every child deserves to feel they have a place where they belong, and music has this incredible ability to create that sense of connection.” 

It’s clear that for Guy, making music is where he feels he most belongs and can say ‘This is My Place’. Leading today’s workshop in his role as a Lang Lang Foundation Ambassador, Guy shared his musical talent and creativity with the children, to help them write their own song for Children’s Mental Health Week.

“Working with young people to write their own anthem gives them ownership of their story and a powerful way to express what home, friendship and community mean to them. I can't wait to hear their voices and help bring their ideas to life through song.” Guy Chambers

This visit was part of a new school music programme, titled ‘Uplift, Calm & Connect’ and is rooted in the partnership between The Lang Lang International Music Foundation and Place2Be. It’s been designed to strengthen school culture, foster a strong sense of belonging, and provide children with safe spaces to explore emotions through music.

At a time when many pupils are facing challenges such as anxiety, friendship difficulties, and the impact of pressures on family life, this program highlights how the arts can promote wellbeing, build confidence, and help young people navigate uncertainty, to foster a more cohesive and resilient school community.

Celebrated concert pianist Lang Lang, who himself has gained international acclaim for his virtuoso performances, is determined to inspire a new generation of musicians through his outreach programs and educational initiatives.

“Music has the extraordinary power to reach into the hearts of young people, to calm, uplift, and connect them. Working with Place2Be and seeing children express themselves so freely through music reminds us that creativity is essential for emotional growth. Moments like this show just why music education is so vital.” Lang Lang

Today’s visit is the second ‘Uplift Calm Connect’ workshop in the series, the first having taken place at St John’s CE Primary School in East London – where children aged 9 and 10 worked with singer-songwriter/producer Jordan Rakei to compose a new school anthem inspired by the school motto “Let Our Light Shine”.

Watch to the children of St John’s Primary School singing their school anthem ‘Let Our Light Shine’

Mr Phil Campbell, Principal of Deansbrook Junior School said of the workshop:

“It was an absolute joy to see our pupils connect so deeply with this music session. The way they worked with Guy Chambers to bring to life the theme ‘This is My Place’ was truly uplifting. Moments like this show the incredible power of the arts to build bonds, support self-expression, and promote wellbeing. We are so proud of what they’ve created and I’m sure this experience will be a lasting memory for them all.”

“It was truly moving to see the children here at Deansbrook Juniors pour their hearts into music. Their enjoyment, curiosity, and courage confirmed why programs like this are so vital for children’s wellbeing and development. The song we’ve created today will be sung at this school for many years to come.” Tom English, Music Lead

Primary school create a song titled 'My Place'

Elsewhere around the UK, expression through music is clearly a place of belonging for many children and young people, as they mark Children’s Mental Health Week this week. Children from another Place2Be partner school - Mill Hill primary in the North East of England - used their best creativity to craft their own song about belonging. Titled, ‘My Place’ the Mill Hill school band enjoyed sharing their talents yesterday, with a visit from BBC Look North.

Catherine Roche, Place2Be CEO adds:

“What a brilliant showcase of the transformative power of music. Creative expression really helps build confidence and protect children's mental health, as they navigate challenging times, creating a stronger and more connected school community."

"The theme of Children’s Mental Health Week this year is ‘This is My Place’, because when young people feel they belong – feel nurtured, included, motivated and celebrated - it empowers them to contribute positively to the world and make a real difference."

“By inspiring young minds through melody and rhythm, we hope to encourage a deep sense of belonging, joy, and hope.” Catherine Roche, CEO of Place2Be

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Children up and down the country find their sense of belonging through music

Music workshop visits North London school

Primary school create a song titled 'My Place'

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