Masters social group will harness the skills of young people with neurodiverse and (SEMH) diagnoses; between the ages of 16-24. Our participants will further develop skills and interests they already have; by preparing them for a more productive future life i.e.; including working freelance; online; volunteering; social engagement enabling social inclusion. Usually; they are more likely to experience low engagement or employment opportunities even though there is proof that given the right opportunity; they have a lot to contribute to society. According to Learning Disability Today (23.6.21); neurodiversity can lead to secondary mental health difficulties as they struggle through life to meet academic and social expectations . Based on areas of interest; 20 workshops will provide varied creative options for engagement by qualified facilitators in creative media; art/design and music production with experience working with this group providing a network for social inclusion teaching with teaching adapted accordingly: (1) Music production in a fully functioning studio with experienced music producers teaching music production from modern hip hop to classical music (2) Mini-film and videography production media on topics important to them (3) Creating Podcasts (4) Graphic designing (5) Fine art classes (6) Pottery and sculpture classes. At the end of the project; we will organise an exhibition showcasing evidence of their learning to families; support workers; schools; colleges; potential employers and to their supportive community. Each participant will receive an accredited certificate with a portfolio of their work for future use. We want our project to show that given the right opportunities and self belief; our participants can lead more productive lives because; their skills and abilities can be utilised as the world becomes more flexible to accommodate the neurodiverse community. We will publicise through all our community contacts with this participant group.

Hakes and masters podcast features myself Ashley Masters and Johnathan Hawkes alongside are weekly guest hosts. We come together weekly with some of are closest friends to discuss a variety of topics, they range from “does a man really want to get married and what is in it for us” to “ are young people truthfully excited about the future”. You will hear the perspective of black male educators who come from completely different backgrounds; Jonathan comes from a private schooling background and myself I come a public school background. Despite our obvious differences we do have a very similar passion for educating the youth and empowering other to be the best version of themselves possible. Johnathan is a music teacher who studied classical music, I am a behaviour teacher with a background in mental health and together we aim to inspire and entertain by talking openly about issues that impact our generation and the ones who come after us. We will be engaging with interesting people exemplifying good listening to make sure we share our opinions in a respectful and honest way connecting with people who are frustrated with the way things are but want to talk through change.