Norfolk and Suffolk Music Hub secures funding for second year of Young Ambassadors Programme

Seventy young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) are set to benefit from music related work placements to boost their confidence and develop skills.

The Norfolk and Suffolk Music Hub, led by Norfolk County Council, has secured a second year of funding for its Ambassadors Programme.

The funding will enable the Hub to offer the programme to a new cohort of young people with SEND while introducing exciting new opportunities for previous participants to return as peer mentors.

Developed through Sound Connections' Activate 24-25 programme, the scheme offers bespoke training and tailored work placements in music and the creative industries.

The programme is created with young people, ensuring that content reflects their interests and desires. Training combines online sessions with industry professionals and in person experiences, ending in placements at major summer events.

Last year, 37 young people completed the programme. This year, 70 will take part, supported by returning ambassadors.

A young person who completed the programme said "The training programme has been amazing! They really listened to us and made sure everything was clear - I felt like my ideas mattered."

Councillor Penny Carpenter, Cabinet Member for Children's Services at Norfolk County Council, said: "The Young Ambassadors programme has been a transformative initiative for young people with SEND. The feedback we have received on the scheme has been overwhelmingly positive with young people reporting an increase in their self-esteem, improved communication and a stronger sense of identity.

"I'd like to thank the teams involved for all their hard work and commitment to making a difference the lives of children and young people with SEND."

Norfolk County Council was appointed by Arts Council England to lead the Norfolk and Suffolk Music Hub from September 2024, as part of a national programme delivering high-quality music education for all children and young people.

Since 2012, Norfolk County Council's Music Service has led the Hub - a partnership of organisations and schools engaging children and young people in music-making.

For more information and to read the full announcement online, visit Activate Grantees 25-26 announced | Sound Connections