Fatboy Slim is proving once again that music truly heals. The legendary DJ, also known as Norman Cook, is expanding his groundbreaking DJ workshop program designed to support people facing severe mental health challenges. After a year of powerful results, Cook has confirmed fresh funding to keep the project alive for at least another year.
Music as Therapy
The Fatboy Slim DJ Workshop Programme, developed by occupational therapist Natalie Rowlands at the Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust and supported by the charity Heads On, has already delivered over 30 transformative sessions. These workshops offer participants living with conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and eating disorders a safe and creative space to reconnect with themselves and others through music.
Healing Through Beats
Participants describe the experience as life-changing. Many credit the workshops for helping them gain confidence, form friendships, and even avoid hospital readmissions. Cook personally funds the initiative and frequently joins the sessions—sharing his love for DJing, mixing, and performing.
“Watching participants discover the joy of mixing music and expressing themselves creatively has been truly inspiring,” said Cook. “Music has played a vital role in my own mental health journey, and it’s a privilege to share that healing power with others.”
Celebrating Sound and Connection
In September, the program celebrated its success with Sound Minds, a special event at Rockwater Hove. Thirteen participants took to the stage to perform alongside Fatboy Slim, showcasing their new skills and the healing impact of creativity.
Building a Community Through Music
Rowlands, who began running DJ workshops more than a decade ago, says the continued funding ensures the program’s sustainability. “These sessions help people find a voice and a sense of purpose through creativity,” she shared. “Music gives them freedom and belonging.”
As Fatboy Slim’s mission grows, it’s clear that this initiative is about far more than beats and turntables. It’s about using music as a bridge—connecting people, healing minds, and proving that rhythm and compassion can change lives.