Donate to Able Orchestra (AO)

Able Orchestra (AO) is a free, inclusive music and digital project for young people aged 11–25 across Nottinghamshire produced by Inspire Youth Arts. Designed for young people with a physical and/or learning disability and/or who are neurodivergent, AO provides a welcoming space to explore music and creativity, work with professional artist and be mentored.  

Help us keep these creative opportunities accessible to every young person who needs them. 

A Space Where Everyone Belongs

For many disabled and neurodivergent young people, traditional instruments and music settings present physical, sensory, or social barriers. AO changes that. By combining digital accessible and traditional instruments, the freedom to create, and support from professional artists, we empower young creators to make their own music, perform live, and discover a real sense of independence and belonging.

In the 18 months leading up to March 2026, 372 young people took part in AO activities across Nottinghamshire. For many, it opened a door to self-expression they hadn’t found anywhere else.

We Need Your Support to Keep Able Orchestra Playing

A major grant that funded our growth across Nottinghamshire has now ended. Without replacement funding, young people across Nottinghamshire could lose access to the music, digital creativity and community they’ve found through AO. 

To ensure AO sessions remain free for families, we rely on the support of people who believe creativity belongs to everyone. 

Your Donation in Action  

Your gift directly funds skilled artists, adaptive technology, accessible transport and safe spaces that make this work possible. 

• £20 pays for one disabled young person to access one weekly Able Orchestra ensemble group session completely free. 

• £40 contributes to providing accessible transport for disabled young people to travel to an Able Orchestra session. 

• £100 pays for a monthly mentoring session between a professional artist and an Able Orchestra Pioneer (young leader) completely free.  

• £150 pays for a group of up to 12 young disabled people to take part in an Able Orchestra Taster workshop completely free where they can try digital accessible instruments for the first time. 

Give a Young Person the Freedom to Create. 

When you support Able Orchestra you’re helping a young person make music on their own terms, build confidence and find a place where they belong. 

Champion inclusive music. Donate today to keep creative opportunities accessible for every young person who needs them. 

Planning a fundraiser? There's more than one way to Keep Able Orchestra Playing:

• Spread the word.  Tell friends, family or colleagues about Able Orchestra — in person, on social media or by sharing this page in a group chat. 

• Hold a bake sale or coffee morning. An easy way to get colleagues, friends or neighbours involved. 

• Host a music quiz or put on a gig. Bring people together and invite them to donate. 

• Take on a challenge. Ask people to sponsor you for a walk, run, cycle or something entirely your own. 

• Make it a group effort. Ask your workplace, school or community group to fundraise with you — or invite donations for a birthday or special occasion. 

We can help you arrange donation collection and guide you on how to pay in the funds you raise.

If you’re taking on a challenge, let us know what you have in mind—we’d love to support you to help spread the word! 

If you'd like to find our more about Able Orchestra or have any questions, please contact: 

Megan Dawes or Rebecca Streets

Tel: 01623 644 377

Email: ao@inspireculture.org.uk

You can also sign-up to our newsletter for all the latests AO news and information - click here to subscribe.

Thank you for your donation!

Your generosity means so much to us.

Thanks to supporters like you, we can continue creating opportunities for young disabled people to make music, express themselves and experience the joy of being part of Able Orchestra.

Every donation, big or small, helps us make a difference, and we're so grateful for your support.

Thank you for being part of Able Orchestra's journey!