Help vulnerable young people find their way

For children and young people who have had a difficult start in life, involvement in music making can really turn things around. As a tool for self expression, therapy and personal growth, music is uniquely placed to help.

Being involved in a music project where they are supported and encouraged, their creativity welcomed and nurtured, allows young people with difficult lives to begin to find their way, take charge of their lives and take positive steps for the future.

To help reach these young people, we have set up 22 Youth Music Action Zones in areas of social and economic need across England and Wales. The Zones are made up of established organisations from the public, voluntary and private sector. They cover all genres of music and deliver a wide range of activities including workshops, rehearsals, performances, one-to-one teaching and mentoring.

The Youth Music Mentors programme improves the life chances of young people through opportunities linked to music-based mentoring. The national programme provides young people with one-to-one and group mentoring sessions with peers, musicians and the music industry.

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"Before, I didn't really have anything in my life. I was a confused little person wandering in a big world. Music gives you something to look forward to. I've got to know loads of different people and its opening a whole new world."
Dee, 17, Southampton