CONNECT TALENT CIO

Request for funding and Sponsorship for Multipurpose Music Space for Young People

Connect Talent CIO aim to raise £100,000 to fund the Multipurpose Music Space for Young People.

This project offers rewards in return for your donation. 

• £20-£40: Appreciation Message
• £50 -£100: Social Media Shoutouts
• £101-£250: Digital Donor Certificate
• £251- £499: Digital Donor Certificate + Access to one (1) live show
• £500 - £999: Digital Donor Certificate + Name on Donor Honour's Wall + Access to Annual Live show
• £1,000 - Above: Digital Donor Certificate + Name on Donor Honour's Wall + Access to Annual Live show (plus 2 guests).

1.0 About Us

Connect Talent CIO (www.connect-talent.org) is a dedicated charity organisation registered in 2016 in England and Wales under the Charity Commission with Charity Number (1169975), located in the Central Business District of Salford, United Kingdom.

Connect Talent is actively involved in community fostering social inclusion, empowering migrants from varied backgrounds, bridging the digital and cultural divide, and supporting community cohesion. We have proudly provided free digital skills training, access to essential technology, employment workshops, and crucial support for migrants navigating the EU Settlement Scheme, and e-Visa applications to over 750 people. Our community outreach programs have brought people and organisations together across diverse backgrounds, ages, and neighbourhoods celebrating diversity and fostering the true spirit of an inclusive community and integrated homogenous society.

We also work with other organisations such as AJ Bell, Salford Digital Inclusion Team, Salford Health Improvement Team, Good Things Foundation, Greater Manchester Police, We Are Group, Manchester’s Local Voluntary & Community Sector Support Organisation, Salford CVS,   Community Fund, The CPD Group, Lovell, Together Housing, BetterOff Salford, Citizens Advice Salford, Job Centre Plus Salford and Age UK.

In recognition of our various community-driven projects in Salford, meeting the needs of the local people and encouraging social and digital inclusion, we have been selected out of 500 organisations as a finalist in the Community Group of the Year category at the Spirit of Salford Community Awards 2025, organised by Salford City Council. This nomination is a testament to the dedication of our team and the impact of our work in the community.

Our activities are more than just gatherings, they allow us to actively and directly engage with residents and community members. These activities usually take place in a variety of community settings including parks, gateway libraries, university halls, and public spaces across Salford. That enables us to get insight into the residents’ needs and aspirations, deepening our link with the community and working together to create services that can improve their lives.

2.0 The Project: Multipurpose Music Space for Young People 

As a community-led organisation, we need to continue to find new and innovative ways to foster social inclusion, improve residents’ lives and eradicate poverty in our community. Through our continued engagement and consultation with the BAME communities, migrants, and refugees, we identified a pressing need to provide a safe cultural hub and community-focused venue to convert into a music and dance studio for disadvantaged young people and those from less advantaged socio-economic backgrounds as these groups are often under-represented or under-served. In an area with limited spaces to socialise and where young people are facing increasing challenges around isolation, mental health, employment, and violence, this is an important place.  Many of our community members, especially young people from minority ethnic communities, have voiced a strong desire for music and dance as an avenue for social connection, stress and emotional relief, and personal development.

Statistics show that two-thirds of adults and a quarter of children living in Salford are carrying levels of excess body fat dangerous to their health and well-being because of a lack of physical activities (Moving in Salford, 2022). The impact of obesity on life expectancy is comparable to, and in some cases worse than, the reduction in life expectancy from smoking. Hence, physical inactivity and community disconnect are growing concerns around the world, including in Salford.  

Studies have shown that whilst people increasingly seek meaningful connections and supportive relationships; yet many urban settings can feel isolating, creating an urge to look for an environment encouraging community engagements. As Salford is one of the fastest growing populations in the North of England (ONS, Census 2021) with over 21000 international migrants in recent years after COVID, including students and healthcare workers in the neighbourhoods, the need to continue to find innovative ways of delivering services to meet these challenges cannot be overemphasized.

Further, research has demonstrated that residents who engage in community activities experience higher satisfaction and a stronger connection to their environment. Effective community activities such as music and dance can mitigate feelings of isolation and improve the health, well-being, positivity, and resilience of people in the community, which is particularly important in densely populated urban areas such as Salford. Communities with strong social ties can better respond to challenges, whether they are environmental, social, or economic.

In response to the above needs, we are developing music and dance projects to enable young people from 16 years and above to access music and dance through a studio, workshops, and events; by providing a unique space where young people are valued and can take part in positive activities. The studio will give them a safe space where they can explore their passion for music and dance. The studio will offer an inviting, vibrant, and uplifting environment for young people to meet and learn music, and musical instruments, develop vocal skills, learn new dance moves, engage in English, use technology to create musical sounds, share experiences, and learn from each other thereby strengthening interpersonal bonds.

We have identified the instruments and skills they want to learn and how the project should run. We are launching to test out this approach, providing an acoustic studio, music, musical instrument, and dance lessons on a mixture of African and Western Classical instruments, developing an ensemble for live music performance opportunities at a range of local venues, and supporting young musicians and dancers to develop their confidence and performance skills, thereby developing young people into global talent. We have qualified mentors on board to engage, offer support, and signpost members to other services.  

This project is finding a new way to encourage and support young people in the community and residents to move in a way they do not necessarily need to be seen as an exercise or sport but in ways that communities will engage with and integrate English, Health & Well-being, Technology, and Music.

3.0 Layout and Equipment Setup for the Multipurpose Music Space

The Multipurpose Music Space will be designed as a dynamic, welcoming, and functional environment that fosters creativity and collaboration among young people. The layout will include dedicated areas for different activities, ensuring a seamless experience for musicians, dancers, and learners alike.

Studio Design & Arrangement

• Reception & Lounge Area: A comfortable space at the entrance where participants can relax, network, and engage informally before and after sessions.
• Main Music Studio: A fully equipped soundproof room designed for recording, practice, and live performances. It will house: 
  • Acoustic panels and flooring for optimized sound quality.
  • A professional digital mixing console and recording equipment for high-quality sound capture.
  • Instruments including guitars, keyboards, electric drums, trumpets, and percussion.
  • A dedicated vocal recording booth with microphones and pop filters.
• Dance Floor & Rehearsal Space: A spacious, mirrored area with wooden sprung flooring to support dancers in rehearsing choreography and improving performance techniques.
• Creative Technology Zone: A workstation with computers, MIDI controllers, and production software for music composition, editing, digital sound mixing, and improving digital skills.
• Storage Area: Secure space for storing musical instruments and equipment when not in use.

Technology & Sound Setup

• PA System: High-quality speakers, amplifiers, and sound mixers for an immersive experience during performances.
• Lighting Equipment: Adjustable stage lighting and LED panels to create an engaging atmosphere for live performances.
• Connectivity&Streaming: Internet-enabled systems for live-streaming performances and engaging a wider audience.

With this setup, the Multipurpose Music Space will be a versatile and inviting hub, allowing young people to explore, learn, and showcase their musical and dance talents in a well-equipped environment.

4.0 Why Your Support Matters

We believe that music and dance have the power to heal, inspire, and unite. The presence of creative and recreational space at our Hub for young people to express themselves will encourage spontaneous interactions and formal gatherings alike. These interactions will foster trust, and camaraderie among residents, creating a supportive environment where individual contributes to the community's overall health. This will improve members’ health and well-being and strengthen the community, making it more resilient and cohesive.

With your generous support we can provide this opportunity to those who need it most. Your contributions (whether financial support or donation of musical instruments or secure studio premises) will make a profound difference in creating a supportive environment for young people's personal and professional growth, building a thriving community, and bringing talents to life.

The Impact of Your Support

• ✔ Enhance their English language skills through continuous engagement and practice.
• ✔ Improve cognitive abilities and memory retention.
• ✔ Gain confidence and a sense of achievement through creative expression.
• ✔ Build meaningful relationships and expand their social networks.
• ✔ Overcome isolation and integrate seamlessly into the community.
• ✔ Unlock their artistic potential through structured music and dance programs.
• ✔ Improve mental well-being through relaxation and stress relief.
• ✔ Experience the joy and transformative power of music.

5.0 How You Can Make a Difference

We rely on the generosity of individuals, businesses, and community partners like you to bring this vision to life. Your contributions, no matter the size, will help fund:

• 🎸 Musical Instruments: New or pre-owned instruments such as saxophones, guitars, keyboards, electric drums, microphones, sound mixers, and speakers.
• 🏢 Acoustic Venue: An accessible and safe space for sessions.
• 🎤 Volunteers Time and Expense: To support and share their expertise.
• 🎶 Marketing campaigns and Logistics.
•  Light Refreshments: Free tea and biscuits.

6.0 Ways to Donate

Use the donate button 

Or

💳 Bank Transfer:
Connect Talent CIO
Sort Code: 60-83-01
Account Number: 20501990
Reference: “Music Dance Club”

🎷 Instrument Donations: 

To arrange a collection, please contact 07502358200, or drop off your contribution at our Centre:
Connect Talent CIO
St James’s House, Suite E3 Floor 8
Pendleton Way, Salford
 M6 5FW

We appreciate your time and kind donation in making this project a reality.