Willow’s story

Willow lives in The Forest of Dean and was struggling with her mental wellbeing, describing being in a very different place in her life before coming to The Music Works. She often felt low, was going through different forms of therapy, and found it difficult to express how she was feeling.

But something about music felt different for her. Instead of having to put everything into words straight away, music gave Willow a way to express herself without always having to explain things directly.

Willow joined our Key Changes programme at The Forest Hub, and remembers how at first she felt shy, closed off and nervous around new people. Speaking in front of others or even just being in a group didn’t feel easy.

But over time, that started to change.

Through the one-to-one sessions, she explored singing, bass guitar and music production, even creating her own original music. Alongside that, she took part in The Drop, where she met other young people who were also using music as a way to express themselves and connect.

Slowly, those sessions became something more than just music spaces. They became a community. She made friends, built confidence, and even started bringing others into the space who she felt would benefit from it too.

As her confidence grew, so did what she thought was possible for herself. From not being able to speak in front of people, or even step on a stage, she went on to perform two live shows – something she once never thought she would be able to do.

But for Willow, the impact goes far beyond music and performance. The biggest change has been in her sense of self and starting to believe she actually has a future ahead of her.

She is now preparing to study Biomedical Sciences at university, with plans to go into medicine:

A huge part of Willow’s story is also the people around her, especially the Forest Hub team. She talks about the importance of having trusted adults who she could rely on, even during difficult moments:

“They’ve been there for me through everything, even when I probably haven’t been the nicest to them. They’ve stuck with me for everything. Made me laugh on days I didn’t feel like I could.”

For Willow, that consistency and support made a real difference. Having people who didn’t judge her, and who stayed by her side while she figured things out.

She describes her experience with The Music Works in one word: “healing.”

Willow’s story shows how creativity and consistent support can help rebuild confidence and self-belief. From struggling to speak in front of others to performing live and planning for university, she has grown into someone who now sees real possibility in her future.