Our members were absolutely delighted to receive an invite to join in the Square Pegs Arts sessions which culminated in the Kent Album Launch.
“The idea for the Kent Album Project was to create an album of original songs to represent each of
the 13 districts of Kent and Medway, written and recorded by young autistic, learning disabled and neurodivergent people from each area. Inspired by their local area, the young people composed lyrics and melodic ideas in song-writing workshops. They were taken to the best recording studio in the county to record their ideas with the help of established producers and top session musicians to create songs ready for commercial release.”

Our members were so excited and thoroughly enjoyed all sessions. Here is what they had to say:-

“We loved attending this event. It has been really special the way Paul, Guy and Matt treated us all like we were rock stars. So often when we go to activities for disabled people things can be dumbed down, it was really refreshing to be welcomed with opinions sought and everyone able to input into the process of music making.

Paul has a superb skill to ensure everyone is included and builds confidence. At the start I didn’t think he’d get my son singing so it was incredible to see him in front of a microphone in a professional recording studio, having a go and Paul giving him that extra push to really get that voice projection. The project works so well because of Paul’s vision and ability to include everyone’s work, with each single word sung or offered at brainstorming stage being reflected on and so everyone feels listened to and noticed. My son was absolutely delighted and came running over during the silent disco to say “I just heard my voice – singing”. He doesn’t say very much, especially unprompted, and it has been so worthwhile to hear him enthused in that way. He has taken the Kent
Album Project Book into college today to show his friends and teacher and has the song to listen to on CD forever. 

Yes, the project has brought me to shed a tear or two in happiness as the whole experience has been very emotional, it was so well thought out and inclusive, allowing in our case an autistic adult, young carer and me as Mum/carer to all join in. It is a true rarity to take such a diverse group so far outside of their day-to-day routines and into a world of creativity and dreaming big. Paul gave us the opportunity to input ideas which spiralled bigger and better and the finished product is amazing leaving each of us with memories and friends made along the way to treasure”. Gillian

“It was a fantastic event! All the participants were so clearly (and rightly) proud of what they had achieved and it was lovely to see their enthusiasm. The finished album sounds really professional. I’ve been sharing it with friends and family today, and they are all very impressed. Square Pegs (and especially their Youth Ambassadors) had done a great job organising the event and making sure it was fully accessible, including the ‘silent disco’ format which worked well for my son”. Nadia

A truly memorable and special Album Launch.