2 October 2025
Sussex Partnership organised an inspirational programme of DJ and rapping workshops for people with severe mental illness, thanks to a generous donation from DJ and musician Norman Cook, aka Fatboy Slim.
Developed and programmed by Clinical Specialist Occupational Therapist, Natalie Rowlands, and created in partnership with Sussex Partnership's charity Heads On, the Fatboy Slim DJ Workshop Programme has delivered 30 workshops in community venues and inpatient settings over the past 12 months.
People across Sussex, aged between 23 and 58, with schizophrenia, personality disorders, bipolar and eating disorders, have become part of the programme, revelling in the joy and excitement of music and performance, as well as the hands-on coaching and advice of Norman Cook. Following the success of this year’s events and the support of Norman Cook, the programme will continue for another year.
The first year of the Academy has culminated in Sound Minds, an evening of live performance featuring Academy participants, rapper Gramski and headliner Fatboy Slim. Taking place at Rockwater Hove last week, Wednesday 24 September, Sound Minds featured sets by 13 performers who have been part of the first year of workshops, each grabbing the opportunity to show the skills they have learnt during Academy sessions.
Pictured: DJ Button and DJ Cook
Norman Cook said: “Being part of the Fatboy DJ Workshops has been an incredibly moving experience. Watching participants - many of whom have faced significant mental health challenges - discover the joy of mixing music and expressing themselves creatively, has been truly inspiring. Music has played a vital role in my own mental health journey, and it's a privilege to share that healing power with others. I'm thrilled to perform alongside these talented individuals at the Sound Minds event, celebrating their achievements and the transformative impact of music.”
At the moment, people with severe mental illness die 15 to 20 years before the rest of the population* and can face multiple barriers to participation in the arts. The Fatboy Slim DJ Workshop Programme is part of Heads On's approach to Creative Recovery, working towards reducing this mortality gap by increasing people's confidence in managing their mental health, improving their quality of life and increasing their social connections. The programme has seen people transformed through the healing power of music, making friendships and developing their creativity.
Natalie Rowlands, Clinical Specialist Occupational Therapist, who developed the programme, said: “The Sound Minds event is a celebration of music, resilience, and community - highlighting our amazing participants and the power of music to support mental health. I’m excited to bring people together, dancing side by side, connecting through music, and breaking down stigma. It’s about more than music - it’s about building confidence, connection, and joy."
Rachael Duke, Charity Director at Heads On and Sussex Partnership, said: “By bringing together the world of NHS service use with the unbridled joy of music, we have created something that truly values the experiences of people using mental health services and shouts about what is possible when we make our hearts sing. Against a backdrop of sustained financial pressure and increasing need for NHS mental health services, the Fatboy Slim Programme is a shining example of what can be possible when we set out to do things differently. We couldn't be more grateful to Fatboy Slim for his support."
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