Liz Haynes

Soft Touch Arts

We are a Leicester-based charity established in 1986 which uses arts, media and music activities to inspire and engage young people and help them to develop creative, social and employability skills. Our inclusive way of working helps young people who lack opportunities or have challenges in their lives to participate in positive creative activities. We help them get back on track if things have gone wrong, try new things, build the confidence and resilience to change negative or risky behaviours, and progress to lead more fulfilling lives. This, in turn, has a beneficial effect on their communities. We set up projects and activities to encourage participation in the arts in Leicestershire. We have an experienced team who develop and deliver a wide range of creative projects and activities. Different agencies refer young people to activities at our studios or in local communities. Our work tackles local and national problems like gang culture, anti-social behaviour and unhealthy lifestyles, using creativity to give young people more positive choices in their lives. We work with MPs, police, fire service, schools, youth, health and social services, and local authorities. This gives our work a greater impact: we share ideas and resources which gives value for money for taxpayers and fewer social problems.