Music 4 The Soul 2026 Project Identity Card
Project Name: Music 4 The Soul – Neurodivergent Young People’s Creative Development Programme
Target Audience: 60 young people aged 12–25 focusing on neurodivergent young people
Project Time Span: April 2026 – March 2027 (12 Months)
Project Funded By: Youth Music (Trailblazer Fund), backed by/via Arts Council England
Grant Amount: £29,264
Project Partners: Youth Music, Arts Council England, Elevate Young Minds, 3E Web Media, local SEND teams, and Manchester families/schools
Lead Organisation: Grace Incorporation Faith Trust (GIFT) Academy
Music 4 Soul Project 2026 is made possible by Youth Music
Grace Incorporation Faith Trust (GIFT) Academy has been awarded funding by Youth Music through its Trailblazer Fund to expand our flagship Music 4 The Soul programme. Over the next 12 months, this initiative will support 60 young people focusing on neurodivergent young people across Manchester.
“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
“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 Soul Project 2026 Goals and Description
Through the Music 4 the Soul 2026 project, GIFT Academy looks to empower our neurodivergent young people, to thrive among their peers in the next generation of creatives. We take them to the intersection of technical production and emotional expression through music/lyric writing workshops, one-to-one creative mentoring, professional music industry experiences. Our participants will explore creativity, digital creativity and songwriting in a safe, inclusive environment.
This funding also allows us to establish a Young People’s Advisory Group (YPAG) to co-design the programme, ensuring it remains youth-led and neurodiversity-affirming. No prior musical experience is required to join, as our sessions are designed with sensory awareness and flexible communication at their core. We look forward to seeing our students find their uniqmusic 4ue voices through this transformative journey and build the confidence to share their stories sonically with the world. Stay tuned for upcoming listening dates and behind-the-scenes glimpses into the music sessions that are shaping the future of Manchester’s creative talent.
Music 4 The Soul 2026 for Neurodivergent Youth – Further Resources and references
- Youth Music: “We believe that every young person deserves the chance to transform their life through the power of music.”
- GIFT Academy’s Music 4 The Soul 2022
