Youth Programmes
SoCo’s Youth Programmes provide safe, welcoming and creative spaces where young people can make music, meet new people, build confidence and access support.
We work with young people aged 11–25 across Southampton through open access sessions, mentoring, outreach projects, schools work and creative partnerships. Whether someone is picking up an instrument for the first time, recording music, producing beats, performing live or simply looking for somewhere positive to spend time, our sessions are designed to help young people feel included, heard and inspired.
Our youth work is rooted in creativity, wellbeing and progression. We believe music can be a powerful tool for connection, self-expression and positive change.
Open Access Sessions
Our regular open sessions take place across Southampton, including at Planet Sounds, Thornhill and Millbrook.
These sessions are free, informal and open to young people with all levels of experience. Young people can rehearse, record music, learn DJ skills, collaborate with others or just spend time in a supportive environment with trusted adults and music leaders.
Sessions are shaped around the interests of the young people attending, helping create spaces that feel relevant, relaxed and genuinely youth-led.
Mentoring & Targeted Support
Alongside our open sessions, SoCo provides one-to-one mentoring and targeted creative support for young people who may be facing challenges around wellbeing, education, confidence, isolation or risk of involvement in crime and anti-social behaviour.
Our mentoring programmes are delivered by experienced music practitioners and youth workers and are tailored around each young person’s interests and needs.
Sessions can include:
Songwriting and recording
Music production
Performance skills
Confidence building
Goal setting and progression support
We work closely with schools, youth services, social care teams and other local partners to support young people across the city.
Outreach & Detached Youth Work
SoCo also delivers detached and outreach youth work in parks, streets and community spaces across Southampton.
By meeting young people where they already spend time, we can build relationships, offer creative activities and connect young people with positive opportunities and support services.
This work has included mobile music activities, pop-up creative sessions, community events and partnerships focused on reducing anti-social behaviour and improving wellbeing.
Youth-Led Projects & Festivals
Young people are at the centre of shaping our work.
We support young people to lead creative projects, plan events and develop their own ideas through programmes including Emerge Festival, Rebel Playground and Young Voices.
From programming festival stages to creating podcasts, performances and music videos, young people are encouraged to take ownership, develop leadership skills and share their creativity with wider audiences.
Our projects celebrate the diversity, talent and energy of Southampton’s young people while helping build pathways into the creative industries.
Partnerships
We work in partnership with schools, youth organisations, local authorities and community groups to reach young people across Southampton and the wider region.
Partners and funders have included:
These partnerships help us create joined-up support for young people and ensure our programmes reach those who may benefit most.
Impact
We’ve worked with young people in the region since 2008. SoCo’s Youth Programmes have engaged thousands of young people through regular sessions, mentoring and events across the Southampton and Hampshire.
Our work has supported young people to:
Build confidence and self-esteem
Develop creative and technical music skills
Improve wellbeing and social connection
Access trusted adult support
Take part in performances and events
Explore pathways into education, training and employment
Many young people return week after week, building friendships, creative confidence and a sense of belonging within SoCo’s creative community.
We support young people of all backgrounds and abilities, whether you’re just starting out or ready to release your next big hit - we can support you.
To find out more about current youth sessions, mentoring opportunities or partnership working, contact the SoCo team or follow us on social media for updates and upcoming activities.
Supporting talent - Raising aspirations.
Supporting talent - Raising aspirations.
Where to Find Us
SoCo operates Planet Sounds, Southamptons coolest subteranean music space. You’ll find us under Central Bridge on Terminus Terrace. We’re available for rehearsals every evening and most days, we also run a range of community sessions, including music making to support wellbeing, free rehearsals for young people and so much more!
SoCo Music Project
Planet Sounds
40 The Arches, Terminus Terrace,
Southampton SO14 3FE
