A piano studio in Hinckley, where students range from toddlers taking their first music lessons to retirees embracing a new challenge, has become one of the first businesses in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland to be recognised as a Mental Health Friendly Place. The recognition was awarded by Leicestershire County Council's Public Health team.
Pianista Music Studio has joined a growing network of Mental Health Friendly Places across the area, recognising organisations that help people feel connected, supported and able to talk openly about their wellbeing.
Run by Dr Roberto Ponticelli and Maria Torres, the studio teaches piano to people aged from three-and-a-half to over 80. Alongside learning music, students develop confidence, resilience and valuable social connections through a welcoming and supportive environment.
The recognition follows Mental Health First Aid training and the studio's commitment to putting people's wellbeing at the heart of its work.
Roberto said: "We see the person first, then the piano. Music brings people together, but it's the relationships and human connection that matter most. Becoming a Mental Health Friendly Place gives us the skills and confidence to better support people and help them find the right help if they need it."
The Mental Health Friendly Places programme has already helped community venues, charities, sports clubs and organisations across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland create environments where people feel listened to and connected. Following growing interest, the programme has now expanded to businesses, helping employers and local organisations support the mental wellbeing of customers and the wider community.
Pianista Music Studio is among the first businesses to gain the recognition, highlighting the important role that everyday local businesses can play in improving wellbeing and reducing social isolation.
Learning new skills, staying active and connecting with others are all part of the Five Ways to Wellbeing promoted through the programme.
Roberto added: "If you put people first, everybody benefits. It's about building positive relationships and creating a place where people feel welcomed, valued and encouraged."
Students and families say the benefits of learning at Pianista Music Studio go far beyond music.
Parent Sapna said: "Learning piano has helped my son develop confidence, resilience and a real sense of achievement. I've seen the positive impact it has had on his wellbeing, and I'm grateful to Maria for supporting both of my children."
Pete, who started piano lessons in his 50s with no previous musical experience, said: "I don't see it as just learning an instrument. It's about continuing to challenge myself and developing an interest that I can carry into retirement.
"Learning something completely new has built my confidence and taught me to be comfortable making mistakes and learning from them. There's something quite liberating about being a beginner again."
We're delighted to welcome Pianista Music Studio as one of the first businesses to achieve Mental Health Friendly Place status.
We've already seen the positive impact the programme has had in community venues, sports clubs and organisations across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland, and we're excited to launch this next phase with local businesses that want to put wellbeing at the heart of what they do.
Pianista Music Studio shows that supporting mental health doesn't have to be complicated. By creating a warm and welcoming environment, they are helping people of all ages gain confidence, build friendships and continue learning throughout life.
We hope this inspires more businesses to get involved and join a growing network of Mental Health Friendly Places that are helping create healthier, more connected communities across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.
Person:Councillor Paul Harrison, cabinet member for Public Health
Businesses can sign up to the programme by visiting the Start a Conversation website and join the 257 organisations and sports clubs across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland (LLR) committed to supporting the wellbeing of their local communities.