We want to make sure every young person has a chance to access music learning. We work with young people from a range of backgrounds, from across Bristol and the South West, to help them achieve their potential.

“I found the Trinity to be brilliant and I had great support from the staff” Mitchell, Music Student

Trinity specialises in engaging those who face barriers to participation. Since 2005, we've worked with some of the most vulnerable and socially excluded young people; from young people who feel they are not ready for full time work or education, to referrals from youth offenders and young people in care and hospital.

“This was the first activity that I was interested in, I had not been out my room until this point! I met some of the other young people and got to know them. I really like Al and Dave, they have helped me settle in.” Teenage Cancer Trust Inpatient

Young people referred to us have become disengaged from mainstream learning due to their complex learning needs, behavioural and health issues. After facing exclusion, young people are left feeling isolated from society, leading to anger management, youth-offending and other destructive behaviours.

“I really enjoy the drumming. It’s the first time I’ve ever done any sort of drumming and find smashing on the kit helps me to release my anger. I feel good when I come to Trinity. It gives me something to look forward to every week.” Under 16 who had been excluded from school

Young people either self-refer or are referred to us by youth organisations, including the local council authority social care teams, mental health trusts, pupil referrals units, foster carers, youth offender teams and other charities. These agencies have fed back to us about the positive changes they have seen in the behaviours and attitudes of the young people who we’ve supported.

“My staff at St Matthias are extremely happy to have found this brilliant and rare session, that has had a hugely beneficial impact upon the social and educational progress of our students. I can't rate the experience highly enough and can only commend the Trinity staff and their incredible understanding and patience in working with SEN students. Long may it continue!” St Matthias Pupil Referral Unit

We provide intensive music courses - music production, lyric writing, composition, guitar and percussion - helping young people to develop skills and abilities, achieve accreditations and re-engage with mainstream learning.

“The song writing session that Dave from Trinity delivered last week has inspired her so much that she has gained the confidence to go to voice coaching lessons at school!” Tact Care Foster Carers

Click here for more information about our courses for young people.

Will was referred to Trinity from the South Glos Early Intervention Team and took part in our Take Note sessions, February 2016.He attended all the sessions and even took part in a collaborative song with more experienced music students which culminated in a live performance on the main Trinity stage.

Since then, Will has been making the long journey from Yate each week to attend our weekly Thursday session, writing and recording original rap lyrics and learning music production techniques.

"My occupational therapist referred me over to Trinity because he knew I was really interested in music production. When I visited the studios I got a really good vibe and saw it as a great opportunity to learn all about music production and record my own lyrics.

The main benefit for me is that I can get on the mic and record my lyrics every week. It’s important for me to get my lyrics out as it is a way for me to express myself and to deal with the things that have happened in the past, which really helps me to move on. I have also enjoyed meeting, working and performing alongside other local musicians."

Will has been working on producing an album of original material and is now feeling confident enough to work the studio equipment on his own terms.

Will finished by saying; "I look forward to coming in to Trinity every week, it gives me something to get up for in the morning. Without it I would probably just be hanging out and chilling with my mates not getting anything done."

Will's support worker has been absolutely blown away by the progress he has made over such a short space of time. He is continuing to build his confidence, and would eventually like to apply for some work experience in a music industry setting.

Jasmine: “I think I would like to see more theatre...it has been really great to have a project to focus on an be part of something.”

Scott: “It's great to be part of a theatre company in my community...Tank Theatre is one of a kind in Bristol.”

James: “More shows and performances – I feel the audience that came were diverse and benefited from the experience.”

D: “It makes me believe anything is possible if you dedicate enough adequate time talent and feeling for an aspiration.”

Photo @ KoLAB Studios

“I just learned to channel my anger, emotions, my energy in a good way, so I could create something I could be proud of... I'm just going to keep following that path of love, loving what I do and loving how I do it and just see where it gets me, coz that’s all I can do.” Miss Tee

Tenisha is a young single parent whose situation has turned around over the last two years with support from Trinity.

From being someone with very little confidence who described herself as ‘a negative person’ Tenisha has used her involvement with Making Tracks to develop a positive approach to life, both personally and professionally.

Her lyric writing, singing, microphone use and music production skills have improved significantly. She has become increasingly independent and her confidence has blossomed, evidenced in her three live performances in front of large crowds this year.

“They (Trinity) showed me I could do more with my music, that I am my music, and to embrace my music. They made me understand that context, and the confidence helped me build it too... It’s a big step for me, and it’s scary too, but they've helped me every step of the way and I'm so grateful... It’s made me more independent and that is making me overcome a lot of other fears. The whole coming out of my shell, being who I really want to be, and doing what I love...”

Tenisha has developed a strong musical relationship with Trinity staff who have challenged and supported her in a way that has encouraged her growth, personally and musically, her self-discipline and self-belief.

Having now joined PRS as an artist in her own right Tenisha’s next steps include producing an EP of original music and releasing it across multiple platforms. She’s also keen to mentor other young people, pushing them forward in a way she feels she was never pushed until now.

“Overall we're incredibly pleased with her. I'm really happy for her because it's going to keep going, it’s not the top of the hill yet, so she will stay involved.” Al Howard,Trinity staff member

I joined one of Trinity's Youth Music courses when I was 17, I was having a really hard time, I'd been kicked out and was on probation. When my probation officer suggested the course to me I didn't even know they existed.

I separated myself from the bad people around me and I had something to focus on - it was a place to come where you don’t feel judged. It's really welcoming and it was nice to have people that believe in you.

So I joined up to the sessions and the tutors helped me put together a CD. To build up my confidence I worked with a lady who worked at Trinity at the time, she helped me with performance - standing on stage singing, things like that. It was just a big self confidence booster for me and gave me the determination to actually do something. I then went off to Access to Music and got my diploma in Music and it was an upward spiral from there on really.

Now I am studying part-time at university whilst also working at a residential young person's care provision with young people aged 8-18.

I am a 21 year old singer songwriter from Thornbury. I enjoy music and skateboarding.  A friend recommended Trinity's music session to me and I’ve really benefited from attending. It’s really good to be in a creative environment working with other musicians and collaborating with them. Coming in to Trinity means I was able to record my album.

It’s a comfortable environment. I’m comfortable with it. It helped me to be more productive and get work done. The staff at Trinity are professional but can have a laugh too, they also know when to knuckle down, which is good for me. I have definitely got more confident since I started. It’s been a boost to my confidence working with other people in a legitimate studio environment. It’s always interesting and enjoyable here at Trinity. There are always great opportunities going on.

Since attending the 121 sessions at Trinity I have gone on to attend a course a the renowned music school BIMM. Last year I performed at Trinity's AGM and played a professional gig at the Fleece in Bristol.

'Thanks for the support! Found the gardening therapeutic and loved the cooking. I live alone and I often don’t know what to cook at night. The herbal teas helped me to calm down and go to sleep. I brought what I’ve learned to the nursing home, where I spent most of my day, and to the Rethink walking groups. Sharing the information, its a talking point and I love sharing the recipes with them' - Steven, participant

'The Trinity Community Garden provides a friendly and accessible environment for individuals wishing to begin or further develop their horticultural and green growing knowledge' – Tina N, Mental Health Recovery Worker.

Rethink is a national mental health charity that offers information, services & a strong voice for everyone affected by mental illness.

Mothers, fathers and children learnt to sing lullabies from around the world at the Easton Community Centre workshop in October 2019.

'Lullabies' sharing at Trinity

Roxana is a British-Iranian artist with a background in physical theatre, film and music. In 2018 Roxana Vilk moved to Bristol from Scotland and started teaching English to refugee women at the Malcolm X Centre. After attending a drop-in for international parents at her son's school, she was inspired to use lullabies to bring communities together. Soon after this, Roxana applied to become an IGNiTE resident

“When I walked into Trinity I thought ‘Ok, this is home" Roxana Vilk

Our community-led approach is what made her chose IGNiTE over other residencies that were available in the area. Joining us gave her a sense of grounding that helped her kick-start her artistic work in Bristol. During her four months with us, she grew her idea from “seed” stage to full blown project.

Roxana developed “Lullabies” together with local communities by collecting, recording and sharing songs from the many cultures in Bristol. Here she was filmed by the BBC during a workshop at Easton Community Centre, delivered in partnership with Up Our Street.

The Trinity team members supported Roxana with project planning, producing and time management guidance. This supported her growth as an artist. Roxana also feels like Trinity’s networks and connections benefited her project. The IGNiTE residency also allowed Roxana to develop new skills and take artistic risks, allowing her to "get out of her comfort zone".

“There’s a deep respect for Trinity amongst artists, and an awareness that there is integrity in any work that is supported by the venue.”

With Trinity's support Roxana is continuing to develop “Lullabies” gathering songs with Bristol-based communities and running workshops culminating a “Lullabies” showcase at Trinity in 2020.

Finally, Roxana feels like IGNiTE really benefit marginalised communities in Bristol. Several people at the Trinity sharing said they had never attended a show or been involved in one before because opportunities are usually not communicated to them. Roxana believes the local engagement work Trinity does, makes it the most distinctive community arts provider in the area.

“If the Arts Council is all about prioritising access to the arts, supporting Trinity and more specifically the IGNiTE programme is a no brainer.”

About IGNiTE

IGNiTE is Trinity's in house programme of world-class, innovative theatre and dance about issues that matter to people now, starting conversations and sparking debate. IGNiTE is supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England and by Bristol City Council.

Photo credits @ Alexa Ledecky www.alexaledecky.com

"I was expelled from my college course at Circomedia when I was 16 because of my poor participation, which was mainly due to my crippling anxiety and non-existent confidence.

I found out about Trinity's courses for young people online and signed up for some free classes and workshops as part of the 2007 Bristol Sound Project led by Nick Young. I took part in a mixing class with Souljah Clique, a scratching class with Dutty Girl, amazing singing workshops with the fantastically talented Kizzy Morrell from Studio 7, theatre sessions with director Dave Lovatt and a graffiti workshop with Bristol street-artist Silent Hobo.

I then went on to re-do the college course at Circomedia I was expelled from and received a triple distinction.

After one year of their professional course I went on to study at a well known circus school in Montpellier, France, where I had wanted to go for years. I've been working with a circus in France and now plan on coming back to Bristol to continue training and hopefully spend some time volunteering at the place which helped me gain my confidence.

The Trinity Centre is a truly unique organisation filled with talented people driven to encourage young aspiring creatives and support those who need it. My time there was special and even as a lost moody teenager I didn't feel judged or belittled - totally the opposite. I can't recommend their courses enough."

Each year Trinity works with 60 young people from challenging circumstances across our learning programme and activities. We work with young people who have fallen out of education, helping them to can gain confidence, develop skills and find routes back into education or employment.

If you would like to support our work with young people, visit our Just Giving page or text TYTP99 £[the amount you want to donate] to 70070 to donate to the Trinity Youth Training Project today.

Photo @ Khali Ackford / KoLAB Studios

Max is a young man who has been coming to Trinity off and on for the past year. He started playing the drums at the age of 12 but in recent years had no access to a drum-kit so stopped playing.

Making Tracks has provided Max with weekly lessons, teaching him the rudiments of drumming for the first time and creating opportunities for him to realise songs he had written in his head for years.

“I've never really had the facilities and encouragement to do this before, but I'm making these steps, and although they're not speedy they’re at a pace that I’m comfortable with and I'm really enjoying the journey.” Max

During the course of the year Max has found it easier to retain musical information, and both his confidence and musical ability have improved significantly.

He shows great insight into the value of projects like Making Tracks and the benefits they offer to young people like him who may suffer from anxiety or self-doubt and therefore not push themselves forward: “I think it's important that that's what these places do, they try to encourage people who aren't fully out of their shells or fully know what they want to do, to explore things and just have fun with it, because it shouldn't be a stressful thing, not knowing what you want to do.”

The meal is very wholesome coming straight out of the earth in my local area. It is great to learn new gardening skills. My 3 year old daughter loves to run around and play with other children who come to the garden. It is a really great communal space.

I found the day greatly beneficial to my mental health as I find it really meditative to help a garden grow, it feels such a positive thing to be doing as I am passionate about growing food locally and organic, it is a great way forward to help us people and our planet stay healthy.

I feel like I am part of something important as if people could grow more food locally there would be far less dependency on supermarkets which creates lots of unnecessary packaging and transportation costs to the environment. I also feel the community day benefited me physically, being active outside and eating healthy food.

My daughter also enjoys the space and climbing frame and I love that she gets to learn where her food really comes from and that we can grow our own.

I love the Trinity Garden space and all great people working there who are knowledgeable, friendly and supportive. I go to the garden on other days with my daughter to help out in the garden and really enjoy getting back in touch with nature. I feel it is really important to teach my daughter where food comes from and that we can grow it ourselves.

I have met lots of people at the garden who share an interest in gardening and sustainability. It is great to feel in touch with my local community, nurture the local earth and grow things together. It is so lovely to share a healthy organic nutritious meal made from the gardens produce and have a chance to chat and share ideas.

I think projects like this at Trinity are very important to educate people about growing and to keep the people of our city connected."

Luna took part in a monthly community gardening drop-in day as part of our Bristol 2015 'Grow It, Cook It, Eat It!' Project. Read more about project activities here.

Josh has been attending 121 sessions at Trinity as well as workshops and other events delivered as part of Making Tracks (photo Alastair Brookes - KoLAB Studios).

"I had heard Trinity provided people who have had difficult pasts with good opportunities to develop skills with performing and recording music"

Hi, I am Josh I'm 21 and I come to Trinity weekly to attend 121 music sessions that are part of the Making Tracks Project .

As well as the recording sessions I attend I also have been learning skills in songwriting workshops and other music related events at Trinity.

I came to trinity because music is something that I’ve always been passionate about and I had heard Trinity provided people who have had difficult pasts with good opportunities to develop skills with performing and recording music, I mainly work with Al in the studio and greatly enjoy it.

I’ve struggled with mental health problems all my life and being able to record at Trinity has been a massive help with keeping myself positive and active. Taking part in Trinity has benefited me in more ways than I ever would have imagined, it’s enabled me to be able to write and record my own songs and has helped me develop my skills and confidence as a musician. When I first started attending trinity I was very shy and struggled with depression a lot and the friendly atmosphere provided at trinity has really brought me out of my shell and helped me become the strong confident person I am today.

Without trinity I would never have gotten the chance to make my own music or improve my skills as a musician.

If I had to describe my experience at trinity in three words I’d use “truly amazing experiences".

You helped secure Trinity's past, now play your part in Trinity's future

Photo @ KoLAB Studios

Joan is a young women who has been home schooled. She struggles being around groups of young people but really enjoys the opportunity to play one to one with a music teacher. Joan now plays the bass and until her introduction to Making Tracks mainly played alone.

“Trinity as a whole seems to be a safe space for Joan. She seems quite nervous when I've seen her mix with people outside, but when she is mixing with people inside Trinity she's really open. So I think it's important for her to have a space like that... it really seems to be benefiting her.” Bridget, Trinity music tutor

Having taken part in group sessions at both Basement Studios and ACE where she struggled in integrate with other young participants she was offered one to one bass lessons at Trinity.

“Even though I have a bass at home I like playing music with people, so it's given me an opportunity to play music with people, which then gives me more inspiration to play at home. I’ve definitely been taught a lot that I wouldn't have learned if I just played on my own. I've got a lot more confident with playing music and I feel like I understand my instrument more than I did before.”

Her experience at Trinity has marked a significant improvement in Joan’s musical ability, her confidence and her motivation.

When she started lessons she described herself as playing “only one song on one string of the bass” whereas now she has mastered “a whole playlist of songs”. She has developed a good relationship with her music tutor, who she feels understands her and responds well to her individual needs.

Making Tracks is supported by Youth Music and using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England, as well as support from match funders.