Raw Material is a Brixton-based charity dedicated to nurturing talent and supporting mental health through music and the creative arts.

Our building includes:

• Recording studios

• DJ and video production equipment

• A live performance space

• Multi-purpose creative and event spaces

We provide structured programmes, studio access and community events for young people and adults.

We run two core programme strands:

Young Creatives (Ages 11–25)

Supports young people to develop:

• Creative and technical skills

• Confidence and collaboration

• Industry knowledge and pathways

• Performance and production experience

Raw Sounds (Creative Wellbeing) (Ages 16+)

Group-based creative sessions focused on:

• Music production and songwriting

• Movement, sound and creative expression

• Supporting mental wellbeing through the arts

All skill levels are welcome.

This depends on who is applying.

Complete a Registration Form if:

• You are applying for yourself

• You are over 18 and would like to join independently

• You are a parent/carer applying on behalf of a young person

Complete a Referral Form if:

• You are a professional (e.g. teacher, social worker, youth worker, therapist)

• You are referring someone in a professional capacity

• The individual is receiving external support services

• You are providing additional contextual or safeguarding information

If you are unsure which form to complete, please contact us before submitting.

Professionals, parents/carers, or support workers referring someone should complete our:

Programme Referral Form

This single form is used for referrals into both:

• Young Creatives

• Arts & Wellbeing

The referral form gathers essential information to:

• Assess suitability for the programme

• Plan appropriate support

• Fulfil our safeguarding responsibilities

All information is stored securely, kept confidential, and only shared externally where required for safeguarding or legal purposes. No identifiable information appears in reports.

Providing clear and accurate information enables us to review referrals responsibly and ensure the best possible support.

If you are unsure whether a referral is appropriate, please contact us before submitting a form.

Our programmes are suitable for individuals who:

• Are motivated to engage in creative activity

• Would benefit from structured music and arts-based support

• Are able to participate safely in a group environment

• Are able to take part in sessions without the need for dedicated 1:1 mental health support

As our sessions are typically delivered by 1–2 tutors in a group setting, it is important that participants can engage safely and independently within that environment.

If additional support is required, it may be possible for a participant to attend alongside their own support worker. Please contact us in advance to discuss individual circumstances.

While our work supports wellbeing, we are not a clinical service.

We are unable to accept referrals for individuals who:

• Have a history of sexual offences or sexual misconduct

• Have a criminal record within the past 5 years relating to violent or high-risk behaviour towards others

• Have engaged in behaviours considered high risk towards themselves or others within the preceding 12 months and are likely to require professional mental health and/or social care support

If a participant’s needs exceed the scope of our programmes, we will advise accordingly.

We regularly host:

• Raw Rotations

• End of Term Showcases

• Community Open Days

• Public workshops and performances

Please visit our Events page for full details of upcoming activities.

Young People Studio Sessions (Ages 16–25)

• Cost: £5 (with completed Registration or Referral Form – this only needs to be completed once)

• Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

• Availability: Tuesdays, 4pm–6:30pm during term time

• Includes: A sound engineer to support your session

Standard Studio Sessions (Ages 26+)

• Cost: £25

• Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

• Availability: Tuesdays, 12pm–3pm during term time

Reduced rates are available for Lambeth residents, students and low-income individuals.

If your question is not addressed here, please contact:

programmes@rawmusicmedia.org

We aim to respond to all enquiries within one week.