Music 4 the Soul 2026 for Neurodivergent Youth (GIFT)

Music 4 The Soul 2026: Promoting Inclusive Creative Education

MEaP is delighted to share that our consortium partner, Grace Incorporation Faith Trust (GIFT), has been awarded a £29,264 Youth Music Trailblazer Fund grant for the “Music 4 The Soul – Neurodivergent Young People’s Creative Development Programme.”

“We are absolutely thrilled to have been awarded funding by Youth Music through its Trailblazer Fund. Music 4 The Soul has already changed lives across Manchester, and this funding will allow us to reach even more neurodivergent young people who deserve a creative space that is designed around their needs. We are deeply grateful to Youth Music and Arts Council England for believing in our work.”
Henry Ngawoofah, Chair, GIFT Academy

This 12-month Manchester-based initiative, backed by Youth Music via Arts Council England, is specifically designed for 60 young people aged 12–25 who identify as neurodivergent, including those with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and sensory processing needs.

“Music 4 the Soul is a hugely important programme being delivered by GIFT Academy, helping neurodivergent young people across Manchester thrive through music. At the heart of the programme is youth voice, ensuring young people are part of the conversation, and the programme is designed to work for their needs – a core value of Youth Music’s ethos”.
Youth Music

Music 4 the soul 2026 programme content

By providing weekly music workshops, professional studio sessions, and one-to-one creative mentoring, the project offers a vital inclusive space for those who may have faced disrupted education or economic disadvantage. Crucially, the programme is co-designed by a Young People’s Advisory Group (YPAG), ensuring that the sessions—which cover everything from songwriting to digital creativity—are truly youth-led and neurodiversity-affirming. In line with our shared commitment to community-led education, GIFT is also working closely with local SEND teams and families to ensure holistic support as well as relevant partners. No prior musical experience is necessary, as the environment is tailored for flexible communication and sensory awareness. We invite our community to support this transformative journey as we celebrate the unique voices of Manchester’s neurodivergent talent.

How do I find out more and how do I register to music 4 the soul 2026

GIFT Academy has prepared a page detailing information that is pertinent to anyone who might want to register or who knows someone who might want to consider registering. Anyone from GIFT or from MEaP can go to the following project page to find out more or register.