Our HeartBeats CIC:DJ Programme for Young Refugees

Aim

We’re raising funds to launch our first cycle: DJ workshops, mentoring and progression for refugee and underrepresented youth.

In the past 2 years, young people from refugee and migrant backgrounds have progressed from first-time DJ workshops to performing at Glastonbury, Southbank Centre and the Roundhouse, amongst others. These outcomes were not one-off opportunities; they were the result of structured, care-led creative development.

In September 2025, Our HeartBeats formally became an independent Community Interest Company (CIC) to secure the long-term future of this work. As a newly established CIC, we are now building our first full delivery cycle and need flexible community-backed funding to maintain momentum while demand continues to grow.

Our HeartBeats works with young people aged 18-25 from refugee, asylum-seeking, migrant and underrepresented backgrounds. Through DJing, music and performance, we support them to build confidence, creative identity and progression pathways into the cultural sector. Many of the young people we work with have significant talent but face barriers related to access, wellbeing, financial stability and professional networks.

Since beginning in 2024 as a co-created initiative developed alongside artists and partners working with displaced young people, the programme has evolved into a consistent community. Participants have gone on to perform and broadcast across major platforms including Southbank Centre, Roundhouse, Glastonbury Festival, We Out Here Festival, Worldwide FM, Sister Midnight FM and Voices Radio.

This crowdfunding campaign supports the next phase of Our HeartBeats as a Community Interest Company. Funds raised will directly help us:

— Deliver structured DJ workshops, mentoring and creative development sessions;
— Support participants with travel, food and access needs so everyone can take part— Pay facilitators and specialist practitioners fairly;
— Cover safeguarding, training and DBS requirements;
— Create progression opportunities for alumni, including performance and leadership pathways;
— Document and evaluate the programme so it can grow sustainably;

This campaign will provide essential early-stage support as we establish Our HeartBeats as a stable, community-led CIC and continue building consistent, professional pathways for young people who are often excluded from cultural opportunity. We already have confirmed arrangements with the Roundhouse and the Southbank Centre for a provision of space and equipment.

This project successfully funded on 20th May 2026