Visiting Silkfutures: creativity, confidence and community in action

We recently visited Silkfutures in Cardiff alongside colleagues from People’s Postcode Lottery, as part of our partnership delivering lottery-funded grants through the Fund for Wales.

Silkfutures is a youth organisation that uses music, creativity and wellbeing activities to support young people to build confidence, express themselves safely and access opportunities they might not otherwise have. Much of their work focuses on boys and young men, creating space for them to talk openly about how they’re feeling while developing creative skills along the way.

We met founders Toni and Nathan at their recording studio, based in a converted shipping container. The space may be small, but it’s full of personality, with walls covered in artwork and lyrics, recording equipment set up and an atmosphere that immediately feels welcoming. It’s clearly a place where young people feel comfortable and at ease.

During the visit, we were lucky enough to meet two of the young people currently working with Silkfutures, who shared some of the tracks they’ve been creating together. One song, focused on overcoming bullying, was particularly powerful – honest, thoughtful and something they were clearly proud of. It was brilliant to see the sense of ownership they had over their work, and the trust they place in the space and the people supporting them.

Toni and Nathan spoke openly about Silkfutures’ journey so far, and about the importance of flexible, unrestricted funding. Having that flexibility, they explained, gives them the breathing space to develop the organisation in a way that feels right, responding to what young people need, rather than fitting into a rigid structure. Looking ahead, they hope to one day have a permanent base where all their activity can happen under one roof, and they’re already exploring ways to diversify their income to become less reliant on grants.

Alongside studio sessions, Silkfutures also places a strong emphasis on physical wellbeing. Activities such as boxing and outdoor workshops sit alongside the creative work, helping young people manage stress, build resilience and try new experiences in a supportive environment.

Before we left, we briefly spoke with one of the young people’s mums, who shared how much of a difference Silkfutures has made to her sons’ confidence. Even after difficult days at school, she told us, they’re always keen to get to the studio – a place where they feel supported, understood and able to be themselves.

The visit was uplifting from start to finish. It was clear how much the young people value the opportunities they’re being given, and how deeply Toni and Nathan care about creating a safe, trusted space where creativity, wellbeing and confidence can grow together.