Hoot - Invitation, Expression, Interaction, Challenge, Growth

WELCOME TO HOOT!

Hoot offers a range of opportunities for people to get involved in music, dance and other creative activities as a way of improving physical and emotional wellbeing. Based on the simple and universally understood facts that playing music and dancing brings people together and makes them feel good, we work with local groups and communities to develop music or dance projects that everyone can take part in. Sessions are delivered by artists and facilitators experienced in using music and dance from around the world.

From our base in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire we also offer studio-based and mobile song-writing, recording and music technology sessions for individuals and small groups, as well as providing opportunities for people to work with us as volunteers to gain training and experience working in arts and health settings.

We have over five years experience developing community based music and dance projects across the North of England, with particular expertise working with people with mental health needs. From this base we now work with all sections of the community to promote positive health through bringing people together to build confidence, encourage creative expression and help people find their voice.

We believe that everyone has a creative capacity that can help them grow and develop, and that through supporting people to flourish as individuals and groups we can help communities and wider society to grow too.

Hoot is a registered charity and an emerging social enterprise.

Five Key Principles

Drawing on many years experience working in the mental health field with people who are often fragile, anxious and under-confident, we have developed a style of working that supports people to make the first step into a new group or activity that may have felt out of their reach, to discover what is possible and how much joy can be found in music and dance, and to challenge themselves and grow and develop through the experience.

Invitation: we aim to make involvement in making music or dance accessible to everyone and to show how this can make people happier and healthier. We recognise that this can be very challenging and aim to support people crossing the threshold to involvement.

Expression: we offer opportunities for people to begin to express themselves creatively, let off steam, express difficult thoughts and feelings, find their voice and get in touch with their bodies.

Interaction: we use music and dance as a means of bringing people together in groups in order to increase social inclusion and integration, build mutual support and develop relationships.

Challenge: we encourage people to test their boundaries, take risks and explore their potential to the full.

Growth: we foster the idea that people can continue to grow and develop throughout their lives, and that music and dance can help people discover what is possible.

"Invitation, Expression, Interaction, Challenge, Growth"