Music Group Strikes a Chord, Making Care Kids Feel at Home

Hope Creative, a music group based at Bristol Beacon, is marking its 10th anniversary this year. The group was created to support children and young people in the care system, and over the past decade, it has helped around 400 participants. The program offers opportunities for song-writing, music performances, paid work placements, and mentoring, all designed to help young people develop their skills and confidence.

Lu Bristow, the creative producer for Hope Creative, explains that the project is about much more than just music. She says it is focused on helping care-experienced young people recognize their own value and feel a sense of belonging. One participant shared that being part of the group makes them feel heard and accepted, which is something they do not always experience elsewhere. The group also allows young people to collaborate with professional musicians and perform at Bristol Beacon, which helps them build a strong sense of community.

Benji Dorney, one of the first participants in Hope Creative, now works at Bristol Beacon as a music centre assistant. He joined the group at age 10 after his social worker recommended it. Benji says that the group provided him with stability, which was important because he was not used to it while living in the care system. He appreciates that the staff at Hope Creative are dedicated and stay with the project for a long time. Now, Benji inspires other young people who are interested in music. Lu Bristow says Benji brings valuable insight to the program and shows what can happen when young people receive ongoing support and encouragement to be creative.

A recent evaluation in 2025 found that 88 percent of children in care who attended Hope Creative reported better social skills, and every care leaver surveyed said they had learned new skills. The program continues to help young people in care feel like they belong, develop their talents, and build a supportive community around music.