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Bristol
Beacon
Close up of a person's hand at a piano playing, with sheet music on the stand

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.

 

Projects in this area

Workshops, activities and events to enrich the lives of care experienced young people and their carers through music

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