Breadcrumb Home Rock Up: Harnessing Music To Engage a... Copy URL https://www.youthmusic.org.uk/case-study/rock-harnessing-music-engage-and-empower-young-people Rock Up: Harnessing Music to Engage and Empower Young People TiPP’s Catalyser Fund 'Rock Up' project is redefining how young people in the Criminal Justice System engage with creative opportunities. By embedding participatory music workshops within existing youth justice frameworks, Rock Up is helping organisations connect with and support young people in meaningful ways. Copy URL https://www.youthmusic.org.uk/case-study/rock-harnessing-music-engage-and-empower-young-people Rock Up: Harnessing Music to Engage and Empower Young People TiPP’s Catalyser Fund 'Rock Up' project is redefining how young people in the Criminal Justice System engage with creative opportunities. By embedding participatory music workshops within existing youth justice frameworks, Rock Up is helping organisations connect with and support young people in meaningful ways. Why Arts Engagement WorksYoung people in contact with the justice system often face barriers to participation, from a lack of confidence to systemic challenges. TiPP's Rock Up provides a structured but flexible creative space, where participants can explore music, develop skills, and form positive relationships with trusted adults and peers.Rather than operating as an external intervention, Rock Up is fully integrated into Youth Justice Services (YJS). TiPP works closely with case managers, senior staff, and practitioners, ensuring that creative engagement is part of a broader support network. Plus, many YJS staff are now trained in Arts Award delivery, reinforcing the value of creative expression within justice settings. Image Photo credit: Sangita Mistry An Inclusive, Youth-Led ModelRock Up combines weekly sessions with intensive week-long interventions, a Youth Advisory Board, and a peer mentoring scheme, empowering young people to take an active role in their development. This approach - which is based in nearly 30 years of experience of working in criminal justice settings - builds confidence, supports social and emotional learning, and helps participants reimagine their futures beyond the justice system.Crucially, Rock Up’s high retention rates show that once young people engage, they want to keep coming back, even after their orders have ended. Rachel Graham, speaks to the power of relationships and the transformative impact of creative participation. Breaking Down Barriers to AccessYoung people’s needs are constantly evolving, and TiPP’s flexible model allows for continuous adaptation. When safety concerns affected attendance at city-centre workshops, TiPP responded by moving sessions closer to the communities they serve. This responsive, young-person-centred approach ensures that barriers to participation are addressed in real time.Another challenge has been transitioning young people into mainstream creative opportunities once they leave Rock Up. To tackle this, TiPP is strengthening partnerships with arts organisations, helping young people take the next steps in their creative journeys. Image Photo credit: Sangita Mistry Real Impact: Stories of ChangeOne young person, who initially struggled with confidence and impulse control, used songwriting as a way to process their experiences and express themselves safely. Another, who developed a passion for guitar through Rock Up, secured funding for their own instrument, enrolled in college to study music, and later performed in front of an audience - including Manchester Mayor, Andy Burnham. Image Photo credit: Sangita Mistry Key Takeaways for Organisations Working with Young PeopleRock Up’s success demonstrates the value of embedding arts engagement into wider support services. If you’re a project looking to widen your impact, this is TiPP’s advice:Partnerships matter: Strong relationships with frontline staff lead to better engagement and long-term sustainability.Invest in staff training: Equipping youth justice practitioners with creative facilitation skills enhances their ability to support young people.Listen and adapt: Regularly consulting young people ensures that activities remain relevant, accessible, and impactful.By embracing creativity as a tool for change, organisations can help young people rewrite their narratives, develop self-belief, and build brighter futures. Find out more about TiPP. Read next... Join Our Community Be part of the Youth Music movement. Sign up for our newsletter to get the latest updates, events, and opportunities – perfect for industry pros and young creatives. Don’t miss out! Read more Organisations and Projects Discover the organisations and projects working to transform young lives through music. Read more Projects Map Since 1999, Youth Music have supported over 5,000 projects. Explore our interactive map to find projects making a difference where you live. Read more
Join Our Community Be part of the Youth Music movement. Sign up for our newsletter to get the latest updates, events, and opportunities – perfect for industry pros and young creatives. Don’t miss out! Read more
Organisations and Projects Discover the organisations and projects working to transform young lives through music. Read more
Projects Map Since 1999, Youth Music have supported over 5,000 projects. Explore our interactive map to find projects making a difference where you live. Read more
