Yorkshire Youth & Music has launched Sound Steps 2, a free weekly music project for young people aged 18 to 25 living in Kirklees who might be facing barriers to work, training or education.

Sessions began this week and will run every Monday at Safe Space Studio, The Media Centre, Huddersfield, continuing weekly during term time through to the end of March.

No previous musical experience is required. Participants will work with experienced professional music leaders on songwriting, beat-making, recording, production and DJing, alongside building wellbeing, teamwork and personal development skills.

The project will end with an informal sharing event, planned by the group themselves, giving participants the chance to celebrate what they have achieved in a way that feels right for them.

This activity is part of Healthy Working Life, a joint programme of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and NHS West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board, delivering the Mayor of West Yorkshire’s vision for the county to have the healthiest residents and workforce in England by 2040.

Becky Pugh, deputy director at Yorkshire Youth & Music, said: “Music gives young people a way in when other routes haven’t worked for them.

“The second iteration of Sound Steps is about giving that first step in a safe environment to collaborate with others in music creation and wellbeing activities, and we’ve already seen what a difference it can make.”

Young people interested in taking part, or professionals who want to refer someone, can sign up at www.yym.org.uk/sound-steps.