Youth Justice

Youth Justice

Sound Futures 2026

We’re so excited to launch Sound Futures — a new music outreach programme empowering young people in the Youth Justice System.


Our young people will take part in:

  • Music production
  • Songwriting
  • Instrument tuition
  • Live performance
  • Real-world work experience with music professionals
Two young people sit and stand around a table of music production equipment, instructed by a Technician

Sound Futures creates meaningful pathways for young people to thrive, and feel a sense of belonging, free to express themselves through the power of  music.
We kick off with our next cohort in January 2026 — and we can’t wait to get started!

Huge thanks to our funders and partners:

National Lottery Community Fund

Sandwell Youth Offending Service

Meet the Team!

Toni Grehan — Project Manager

A DJ stand in front of her equipment, holding headphones

Toni is a highly experienced arts leader with over two decades of work dedicated to using creative practice for social impact. She has developed and delivered transformative outreach and music programmes across Birmingham and the West Midlands, collaborating with organisations including MAC, B:Music / Symphony Hall, Selextorhood, Girl Grind UK, Gospel Revisited Project, Services for Education and multiple schools and youth services.

Her projects have created meaningful pathways for young people aged 7–25, particularly those from economically deprived and marginalised backgrounds. Toni’s leadership in community engagement earned recognition from the European Jazz Network, who awarded her work as the Best Community Outreach Project in Europe.

Drawing on her experience as a project manager, fundraiser, DJ, promoter and educator, Toni brings a strategic vision, deep community connections and a passionate commitment to widening access to musical opportunity.

Paul Snook — Lead Workshop Facilitator

Paul is a respected session musician, songwriter and producer with more than 25 years of industry experience. His creative career includes work with a wide range of artists and organisations, including Black Voices, Maurice Birkener, Lafayette Harris, and many other artists across the globe. 

In addition to his professional output in production, composition and live performance, Paul has over a decade of experience delivering music workshops and mentoring young musicians across the region. He specialises in hands-on learning, supporting participants in exploring music production, instrumental skills and collaborative creativity.

Paul’s industry insight and approachable teaching style helps young people build confidence, artistic identity and practical understanding of the music sector.

A man sits in front of a DJ deck smiling

Emile Hutchinson — Community Liaison Officer

A young man stands on a bridge in coat and hat, looking out

Emile is both a lyricist/songwriter and an experienced educator, and currently serving as an Assistant Head and pastoral leader at a local Birmingham Secondary School. His work has focused on supporting young people through behavioural, emotional and social challenges, ensuring they are listened to, supported and empowered.

Within Sound Futures, Emile plays a key role in participant support — building trust, supporting wellbeing, nurturing self-expression and helping each young person engage confidently with the creative process.

Emile brings strong pastoral insight and a dedication to creating positive, supportive relationships that allow young people to flourish.

Explore our 2025 Pilot Programme: 

'Sound Futures' was designed to support the musical development, health and well-bring of young people working with Sandwell's Youth Justice System. Participants engaged with music leaders through music production, DJing and songwriting sessions, culminating in a live gig at Hare and Hounds, Birmingham. Future phases are already underway, with industry Q&A's and work placements planned for 25-26. This short film showcases the journey the young people went through, from session to stage.

Watch: Forget My Yesterday

This project is a collaborative music programme between Solihull Music, MAC Makes Music, and Solihull Youth Justice. The majority of these young people involved in this project will have been referred to this work as part of the ‘Turnaround’ initiative, to help find positive outcomes for young people who are, or could be, involved in criminal activity. These young people have been working on their musical, social and personal skills building up to a co-written track that was recorded and filmed at MAC's state-of-the-art Recording Studio

Contact list of staff members