Traitors star Claudia Winkleman visits Sussex youth project
Claudia Winkleman discovered how beats and rhymes can build confidence and change young lives during a visit to AudioActive, a National Lottery-funded project in Sussex.
The project, founded in Brighton in 1999, has a simple mission: to make music accessible to all young people, regardless of background. Today, it’s transforming lives across the region by offering free sessions in music production and genres ranging from grime to jazz for young people aged 12–25.
Over the years, AudioActive has supported the early journeys of several well-known artists including Jordan Stephens and Harley Alexander-Sule of Rizzle Kicks, Rag’n’Bone Man, Celeste, and ArrDee.
Claudia Winkleman visited as part of her role as The National Lottery’s Ambassador-in-Chief, shining a spotlight on the extraordinary good that happens in communities every week because of National Lottery players. She was joined by Bradley a National Lottery player from South London who works in a children’s home and runs a music studio. He was eager to see how National Lottery funding supports grassroots music projects like AudioActive and soon joined in, rapping alongside the young artists.
Claudia began her visit listening to rising star Lilly Wolfe. Before long, she was taking part in a Cypher – a group session where a DJ plays music while young artists rap, sing or perform spoken word before passing the microphone to the next person.
Reflecting on her time with the group, Claudia Winkleman said, “Spending time with AudioActive was completely joyful. The talent and community spirit that this group supports is something I’ll never forget. I’m so delighted to be part of this National Lottery campaign because everything you see here, the joy, the confidence, the sense of belonging, is only possible because of you, the National Lottery players. Your support genuinely changes lives.”
Michelle Hunter, AudioActive’s Director of Programmes and Operations, said: “Claudia’s visit created huge excitement. There were lots of selfies at the end of the Cypher. Claudia was warm, generous with her time, and the young people absolutely loved having her there. Nurturing future stars is only one part of AudioActive’s work. Alongside its open-access sessions, the charity offers one-to-one mentoring to children and young people who may be at risk of serious violence or navigating difficult circumstances.”
Michelle believes rap offers a powerful emotional outlet, “Lyric writing, singing or rapping is cathartic – it gives young people a way to express what’s happening in their lives. If you really want to understand a moment in history, listen to the music. It’s written by the people, for the people.”
Michelle added: “Over the past year, AudioActive has worked with more than 1,500 young people. Honestly, without The National Lottery’s support, we simply wouldn’t be able to offer the opportunities we do. Their funding helps us reach young people who need somewhere safe, creative and inspiring to be. National Lottery funding has also enabled AudioActive to deliver vital work at its Worthing Hub, offering young people a welcoming, creative and supportive environment. Funding has also supported Equaliser, a safe, inclusive space for girls, young women and non-binary artists aged 12–25 to create music and build confidence.”
Since National Lottery funding began in 1994 more than 650,000 projects have been funded with £52 billion raised by players with a ticket or Scratchcard. Every week, on average, National Lottery players raise more than £32 million which enables hundreds of projects to have received funding in every postcode area across the country.