Keith's story: streaming music for self-care

Keith's story: streaming music for self-care

Keith is 21 years old and plays an important caring role within his family. Alongside his studies, he supports his dad in caring for his mum, who lives with significant mental health challenges, and helps care for his brother, who has a physical disability. With his dad often working long shifts and spending long periods away from home, much of the day-to-day responsibility falls to Keith. Balancing his studies with his caring responsibilities can be challenging. Keith admits that juggling everything at once can sometimes leave him feeling tired, stressed and stretched thin.

Recently, Keith celebrated his 21st birthday and received a set of high-quality earphones and a Bluetooth speaker as gifts. Music has always been a huge passion for him and something he has relied on during difficult times. It provides a way to relax, switch off and take a break from the pressures of caring.

While attending a day trip organised by his local carers' centre, Keith spoke with staff about the importance of taking time for himself. He was encouraged to apply to Time to Live for support that would help him enjoy a break from his caring role and invest in something that would benefit his own wellbeing. After considering his options, Keith chose a one-year Spotify membership voucher. The voucher gave him access to unlimited music, podcasts and audiobooks whenever he needed them, allowing him to make the most of his new speaker and earphones.

"The Spotify membership meant that I had access to all music and podcasts easily, and I was able to use it with my new speaker and earphones."

The Spotify membership has provided Keith with a simple but meaningful way to take regular breaks, unwind and focus on his own wellbeing. Whether sharing music with his brother, discovering new podcasts or relaxing with an audiobook, the support has helped him create valuable moments of respite alongside his caring responsibilities.

Find out more about Time to Live here.