"Together we are strong
We can face all problems
Life is sometimes hard
But that time will pass
And I will be even stronger"
Written with a group of unaccompanied minor refugees
Safe & Sound
Safe & Sound is a preventive intervention that uses music therapy in a trauma-sensitive and culturally sensitive way for children and young people growing up under difficult circumstances. It focuses on strengthening the connection between the children and young people themselves, as well as with their environment, in order to foster resilience.
Safe & Sound is currently implemented in newcomer education settings, supporting children and adolescents with refugee or migration backgrounds.
The program consists of group sessions and individual therapy. Across three phases, a safe space is created where children and young people make music together, get to know one another, and explore themes that matter to them. These include making friends, dealing with emotions, sharing their stories, discovering their talents, and coping with difficult experiences. The emphasis is on their strengths, how they support one another, and the sources of resilience in their environment.
Children and young people experiencing trauma-related challenges may be eligible for individual music therapy.
Safe & Sound
Safe & Sound is a preventive intervention that uses music therapy in a trauma-sensitive and culturally sensitive way for children and young people growing up under difficult circumstances. It focuses on strengthening the connection between the children and young people themselves, as well as with their environment, in order to foster resilience.
Safe & Sound is currently implemented in newcomer education settings, supporting children and adolescents with refugee or migration backgrounds.
The program consists of group sessions and individual therapy. Across three phases, a safe space is created where children and young people make music together, get to know one another, and explore themes that matter to them. These include making friends, dealing with emotions, sharing their stories, discovering their talents, and coping with difficult experiences. The emphasis is on their strengths, how they support one another, and the sources of resilience in their environment.
Children and young people experiencing trauma-related challenges may be eligible for individual music therapy.
Vision and goals
Vision and goals
Music Therapy
Everyone can participate, regardless of language or cultural background. This makes music therapy an accessible and inclusive form of intervention that effectively supports emotional well-being and resilience
Solution focused
Focused on what works, resilience, and coping mechanisms.
Cultural Sensitive
We respect the values and beliefs of every individual. Our approach embraces cultural differences while recognizing and honoring the common ground that connects us. An important aspect of this culturally sensitive practice is the therapist’s awareness of their own cultural norms and values, and the ability to manage these effectively to provide respectful and unbiased support. This fosters understanding, inclusion, and meaningful collaboration.
Creativity
Children and young people come up with their own rhythms, melodies, and lyrics, creating songs that are uniquely theirs. They play an active role and feel a strong sense of ownership throughout the sessions.
Sense of belonging
Fostering a strong sense of belonging. Children and young people build meaningful connections by truly getting to know one another, listening with empathy, and being there to support each other through challenges and growth.
Resillience
Everyone has the potential for resilience. Resilience thrives when the child’s personal strengths align with supportive resources in their environment. This includes a positive self-image, effective coping with emotions and difficult experiences, and the presence of role models who provide physical and emotional safety and availability.
Early identification and treatment of trauma-related problems
Children and young people with trauma-related problems may receive individual Safe & Sound sessions based on an indication by the music therapist, in collaboration with teachers, school staff, doctors, parents, caregivers, and other professionals involved.
Connection
Strengthening the connection between children and young people themselves, as well as with their system.
Enhancing the communication and collaboration among all involved parties. The music therapist actively works on this together with the children and young people, teachers, learning support coordinators, other professionals, parents, caregivers, and other family members involved.
Open for Help, Accessible and Approachable
Children and young people are motivated to attend individual sessions. Making music and expressing their needs are central to the process. When additional support is required, referrals are made and addressed together. This helps children and young people become more open to receiving help.
Supporting Teachers
Teachers identify trauma-related problems and the concerns and challenges faced by children and young people. They play an important role in supporting them but do not always have the necessary skills or time. By providing help at school through the Safe & Sound program, teachers are relieved of some of this burden. The music therapist has the time and expertise to address these problems effectively. Additionally, teachers receive support and guidance on how to better respond to the needs of these children and young people themselves.
Music Therapy
Everyone can participate, regardless of language or cultural background. This makes music therapy an accessible and inclusive form of intervention that effectively supports emotional well-being and resilience
Solution focused
Focused on what works, resilience, and coping mechanisms.
Cultural Sensitive
We respect the values and beliefs of every individual. Our approach embraces cultural differences while recognizing and honoring the common ground that connects us. An important aspect of this culturally sensitive practice is the therapist’s awareness of their own cultural norms and values, and the ability to manage these effectively to provide respectful and unbiased support. This fosters understanding, inclusion, and meaningful collaboration.
Creativity
Children and young people come up with their own rhythms, melodies, and lyrics, creating songs that are uniquely theirs. They play an active role and feel a strong sense of ownership throughout the sessions.
Sense of belonging
Fostering a strong sense of belonging. Children and young people build meaningful connections by truly getting to know one another, listening with empathy, and being there to support each other through challenges and growth.
Resillience
Everyone has the potential for resilience. Resilience thrives when the child’s personal strengths align with supportive resources in their environment. This includes a positive self-image, effective coping with emotions and difficult experiences, and the presence of role models who provide physical and emotional safety and availability.
Early identification and treatment of trauma-related problems
Children and young people with trauma-related problems may receive individual Safe & Sound sessions based on an indication by the music therapist, in collaboration with teachers, school staff, doctors, parents, caregivers, and other professionals involved.
Connection
Strengthening the connection between children and young people themselves, as well as with their system.
Enhancing the communication and collaboration among all involved parties. The music therapist actively works on this together with the children and young people, teachers, learning support coordinators, other professionals, parents, caregivers, and other family members involved.
Open for Help, Accessible and Approachable
Children and young people are motivated to attend individual sessions. Making music and expressing their needs are central to the process. When additional support is required, referrals are made and addressed together. This helps children and young people become more open to receiving help.
Supporting Teachers
Teachers identify trauma-related problems and the concerns and challenges faced by children and young people. They play an important role in supporting them but do not always have the necessary skills or time. By providing help at school through the Safe & Sound program, teachers are relieved of some of this burden. The music therapist has the time and expertise to address these problems effectively. Additionally, teachers receive support and guidance on how to better respond to the needs of these children and young people themselves.
Songs Safe & Sound
I can't wait to be friends with you
What’s it like to show up at your new school for the first time?
Do you love someone
My Family
They shared the song with people who mattered to them: friends, family, and teachers. After the training, teachers noticed the students were more open and willing to share what was on their minds.
The group was very proud of the result. We built it step by step—starting with music games to create safety, then exploring rhythms, melodies, and personal stories. The lyrics, tempo, chords, and dynamics were all shaped by their input. We recorded the song together, and everyone took home their own copy.
Songs Safe & Sound
I can't wait to be friends with you
What’s it like to show up at your new school for the first time?
Do you love someone
My Family
They shared the song with people who mattered to them: friends, family, and teachers. After the training, teachers noticed the students were more open and willing to share what was on their minds.
The group was very proud of the result. We built it step by step—starting with music games to create safety, then exploring rhythms, melodies, and personal stories. The lyrics, tempo, chords, and dynamics were all shaped by their input. We recorded the song together, and everyone took home their own copy.
Safe & Sound Foundation
Orleansstraat 45a
6217 LD
Maastricht, Netherlands
info@sandervangoor.eu
0648464878
KvK: 84640251
RSIN: 863293414