Maheen’s story

Maheen is from Gloucester, and her journey with The Music Works didn’t start in a big planned way. It began out in the community, volunteering at King’s Jam Festival. A few years later, the Music Bus was in her area, sharing opportunities available at The Music Works and that’s what led Maheen to join our Youth Social Action group. 

From there, things started to grow quickly.

Supported by BBC Children in Need, the group was focused on young people sharing their stories and raising awareness around racial justice in areas like music, society and education. Each young person chose a topic that meant something to them. For Maheen, that was education.

She took it further than she expected. She went into her school, interviewed teachers, and helped create a documentary. The group also produced a mini magazine and podcast, and even hosted a live event. What started as a youth project became a platform to speak, create, and be heard.

Through this work, Maheen developed practical skills in podcasting, audio production, storytelling, and using industry-standard equipment, while also growing in confidence and finding her voice creatively.

But for Maheen, the impact went far beyond the creative work.

That shift in confidence and identity became a turning point for Maheen, giving her a clearer sense of direction and believe in what she could achieve.

She later joined our Upsurge programme where she had access to industry masterclasses, mentoring, one-to-one support, and creative opportunities. Being surrounded by people working in the creative industries, in particular having a mentor from a similar cultural background, helped her feel seen and represented and more confident in her own ambitions.

Through Upsurge, Maheen continued building not only her creative skills, but also the confidence to put herself forward for opportunities she once wouldn’t have imagined possible. That journey led her to secure an apprenticeship at BBC Radio Gloucestershire, something she believes wouldn’t have happened without the support and encouragement of The Music Works.

Alongside this, Maheen discovered a new confidence in speaking up, sharing ideas, and leading conversations. Something that eventually led her to become a young trustee on The Music Works’ board.

Today, she’s clear about what drives her: people, connection, storytelling, and creating opportunities for others. Her interest in events and public speaking has grown, alongside a stronger belief in her own voice and ideas.

For Maheen, the biggest change isn’t just what she’s achieved, it’s how she sees herself. And her advice to others is simple: 

“Get involved. The more you put into something, the more you’re going to get out of it.”

Maheen’s journey shows how finding your voice can shape identity, confidence and direction. From feeling unsure of her identity to securing an apprenticeship and becoming a young trustee, she has grown in confidence in who she is and what she has to offer. Her story shows how the right opportunities can help young people turn their voice into impact.