Care Experienced Young People
An award-winning programme empowering care-experienced young people
Hope Creative is our award-winning programme for care-experienced young people.
We are proud to have been delivering this programme for 10 years and are the only organisation in the South West that delivers this type of work.
Within Hope Creative, we run bespoke singing, composing and performance sessions for young people in care aged 0-18, care leavers aged 18-25 and foster carers in a safe and supportive environment.
Our transformative programme boosts confidence, wellbeing, and social skills for some of society’s most vulnerable individuals.
We deliver Hope Creative in partnership with Bristol City Council Children’s Services, the Hope Virtual School and Barnardo’s who refer young people to our programme.
Our specialist practitioners offer nurturing support, fostering trust, purpose, and strong peer connections. Participants collaborate with professional musicians, with opportunities to perform at Bristol Beacon, and build a sense of community belonging.
With 90% of carers reporting improved confidence and social skills, Hope Creative empowers care-experienced young people, enhancing their future opportunities and strengthening social cohesion through the uplifting power of music.
It feels amazing to be heard and to not be hidden. It makes me feel like we belong. In a world where we’re different and unique, we’ll still be a family”
A care leaver and Hope Creative participant
The impact we make
Hope Creative: Transforming Lives Through Music
Since 2015, Hope Creative has provided care-experienced young people with a safe space to express themselves, build confidence, and develop vital social skills through music.
Our nurturing sessions empower participants to connect with peers, collaborate with professional musicians, and even perform at Bristol Beacon. Through songwriting, music-making, and live performances, young people find their voice and gain a sense of purpose and community.
A 2024 evaluation highlighted the impact of the programme:
- 90% of carers reported improved confidence, wellbeing and social skills in young people
- 64% saw increased optimism and ambition of young people
- 100% of care leavers felt welcomed, more confident, and empowered
- 94% of young carers made friends
Through Hope Creative, music becomes a lifeline—providing joy, support, and a brighter future for care-experienced young people.
Molly’s story
Molly’s story
Molly is a care leavers and participated in our Hope Creative programme, which had a life-changing impact for her, significantly improving her confidence and self-esteem. The programme gave her a safe space to express her ideas without judgement, connect with other fellow care leavers and produce and perform her own pieces.
Projects in this area
Workshops, activities and events to enrich the lives of care experienced young people and their carers through music
Hope Creative: Care Experienced Young People
Hope Creative: Care Experienced Young People
Hope Creative provides music sessions for care-experienced young people aged 7-18.
Led by skilled music practitioners, these sessions offer a safe and supportive space for self-expression through singing, playing instruments, or experimenting with music production. Young people shape their own creative journey, building confidence, social connections, and musical skills in a nurturing environment.
Hope Creative Minis: Music for Early Years Children and their Foster Carers
Hope Creative Minis: Music for Early Years Children and their Foster Carers
Hope Creative Minis supports foster carers and infants under five, completing our ‘lifelong’ provision for young people in care.
Delivered in partnership with Bristol City Council and Paul Hamlyn Foundation, these weekly sessions use singing, movement, and instrumental play to nurture caregiver-child relationships, support emotional wellbeing, and encourage early communication, language, and social development. Sessions provide stability and joyful shared experiences for both infants and foster carers.
Care Leavers’ hang-out sessions
Care Leavers’ hang-out sessions
For care leavers aged 16-25, our monthly evening hang-out sessions offer a relaxed space to connect, create music, and build friendships.
Held on the third Wednesday of every month, these sessions give young people the opportunity to socialise, plan their own events, or simply unwind. Whether making music or just spending time together, the sessions foster confidence, creativity, and a sense of belonging.
Foster Carer Choir (Fostars)
Foster Carer Choir (Fostars)
FoStars is a fun, welcoming choir for Bristol’s foster carers, run in collaboration with Bristol City Council.
Open to all, regardless of experience, these fortnightly sessions focus on the joy of singing together for relaxation, wellbeing, and social connection. Using breathing exercises and harmony singing techniques, participants develop their voices and enjoy the proven benefits of group singing in a friendly, supportive environment.
Sessions take place every other Thursday 10:30 – 12:00 at Beacon Music Centre.
To find out more and sign up, contact Lu at community@bristolbeacon.org
We Care Week
We Care Week
We Care Week is an annual celebration of Bristol’s care-experienced young people and foster carers.
Taking place in May, this week-long programme features special events and creative workshops designed to bring the community together. From music-making to creative expression, the week provides space to relax, connect, and showcase talents, ensuring care-experienced young people and foster carers feel valued and celebrated.
Celebrating care experienced young people in We Care Week 2025
- Blog
- Community Programme
- Photos
Our HOPE Creative programme receives award for inclusive education
- Bristol Beacon News
Care-experienced Young People's Album Project recognised at Creative Lives Awards
- Bristol Beacon News
Contact us
Are you a member of a community group or local grassroots organisation, interested in collaborating, or looking for a space to host your activity?
Please get in touch with our Community team to find out more about how you can work with us.
Email community@bristolbeacon.org
Music & Disability
Music & Disability
Championing diversity within the music sector and creating opportunities for underrepresented musicians.
Creative Health & Wellbeing
Creative Health & Wellbeing
Projects, groups and events that use music to support people’s physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing at every stage of life.
More community programmes
More community programmes
Our community programmes – Creative Health & Wellbeing, Care Experienced Young People, Music & Disability, Festivals & Events – bring people together through the power of music.