Volunteer
Vacancies
Donate
Home
Our Services
About Us
News

Turning a dream into a reality

Harry, a long-time Talkback member, has turned his passion for music into reality with the release of his first professionally recorded album, Smiling Spirit. Supported by Talkback and funded through Youth Music, the project showcases Harry’s talent as a songwriter, DJ, and performer — and marks a huge milestone in his creative journey.

Harry has been a Talkback member since 2021. Firstly, joining the BBO supported employment project where he successfully secured a short-term work placement at Welcome Break. Following the end of this placement, through Talkback support, Harry secured a volunteer position at Milton Keynes University Hospital. This role continues to the present day.

Harry has also been a member at our main Milton Keynes social group since 2022 and has been part of our Back to Nature walking group since 2023 as well as attending men’s health, travel training and relationship courses.

Through Talkback’s contacts in Milton Keynes, we were also able to support Harry in joining Q:Alliance’s (MK LGBTQ+ charity) social groups. We’re pleased to say, he’s firmly established himself in the Q: Alliance groups as well as Talkback’s.

It was in these Talkback groups that we discovered Harry’s passionate music interests, both as a DJ, a keyboardist and budding songwriter.

The DJ

Harry has always wanted to perform his DJ sets, and it was through our contacts with MK College that we were able to give Harry the opportunity to perform at their yearly summer ball. Harry has performed his paid DJ sets for MK College since 2023 and is already booked in for 2026. Harry was also incredibly proud to play a DJ set at the recent MK Pride event thanks to Q: Alliance.

The songwriter

As a songwriter, with help from former Talkback CEO Jay, we managed to secure funding via Youth Music so he could professionally record his first album. Harry spent twenty weeks in the studio this year and had professional singers sing on his original songs.

Gemma at Talkback was instrumental in organising and shooting the album cover, all behind the scenes footage as well as organising the album launch party. Talkback’s Grace also secured Harry a radio interview with MK FM as part of the album launch and recorded a podcast with Harry to promote the album.

The 4-track EP – Smiling Spirit – was released in September 25. You can have a listen to it here.

Harry said “My dream project has been made possible by funds from Youth Music and their partners. Jay, the former CEO of Talkback supported me all the way with the grant application and so many of the amazing Talkback team have helped me pursue my dream”

Introducing

Talkback's Post-16 Specialist Provision

With over 25 years of experience, Talkback offers a nurturing, flexible alternative to other traditional education settings, designed specifically for young people with an EHCP, aged 16-25, who are autistic or have a learning disability.

Find out more

18 onwards:
Adult Social Care Funded Provision

Amongst other services, we provide:

  • Personal development and social skills
  • Independent living, including cooking and general household tasks
  • Practical skills, including woodworking and other trade-based activities
  • Travel and money management training
  • Relationship development and creating social networks
  • Sports and wellbeing, including mindfulness, healthy eating and managing anxiety
  • The Performing Arts – drama, dance, music and arts.
  • Employment – full time and supported
  • Art Therapy
  • Social friendship groups

16-25 years old:
Education Provider

Amongst other services, we provide:

  • Education support to individuals in colleges including Bucks College Group, Berkshire College of Agriculture and Reading College
  • Individual Learning Packages based on an individual’s Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) outcomes
  • Bespoke, community life skills education support packages
  • Creative opportunities using expressive arts, creative media and a variety of social groups
  • Relationship guidance and help building social networks
  • Life skills training to move towards independent living
  • Travel training
  • Employability skills building
  • Work experience and Supported Internship opportunities

Up to 18 years old:
Transitions work

Amongst other services, we:

  • Provide individual and group transition programmes to help people move from school to college and minimise anxiety
  • Provide information, advice and guidance to mainstream schools with a SEN department, and to specialist schools for secondary ages
  • Offer bespoke Travel Training packages for schools
  • Help co-create sport-based partnerships
  • Run parent and carer information events 
Talkback developing a world of possibilities
Powered by  GDPR Cookie Compliance
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.