Peer to Peer

Peer to Peer is a programme created by We Make Culture, developed through the #Innovate programme from Sound Connections with the aim to help young musicians to develop music leadership and facilitation skills. The development of the programme is now funded by Arts Council England. 

Peer to Peer has now supported 10 members of the Young Musicians Project to participate on a progression path, through learning about music facilitation and leadership roles. Sessions led by Ashleigh Lowes and Laura Brewis covered themes such as safeguarding, how to be a good and inclusive facilitator, how to create safe spaces for ourselves and others, youth voice and many others. 

Phase 2 of the Peer to Peer programme begins in September 2025, when WMC will create 6 paid roles for Peer Music Leaders and support them to continue to develop their facilitation, employability and leadership skills, through mentorship, training and group support. The programme will continue to be led by musician Ashleigh Lowes.

For WMC, this programme will support us to better integrate youth voice into the WMC team and develop our workforce to reflect the communities we serve. 

“I really liked having the opportunity to experience facilitation first hand through shadowing and delivering short sessions, whilst being guided rather than told what to do. I felt Peer to Peer provided an opportunity to explore my own creative freedom when delivering a session and was a great place to learn how to properly reflect and receive feedback.” - Peer to Peer Participant

“I really enjoyed having the opportunity to shadow different groups and lead my own lyric writing session. I also liked meeting with others to discuss their own experiences and working in a group.” - Peer to Peer Participant