Autism Jersey 'Music Hub' in the works with Sophie Maude

Monday, 10 November 2025 07:30

Autism Jersey is collaborating with singer Sophie Maude on a music hub for neurodiverse islanders.

On a recent visit to the island, New Zealand based chart-topper Sophie-Maude raised over £63,000 for Autism Jersey.

It will fund a new music hub for neurodiverse children to be named in her honour.

Diagnosed with Autism, ADHD, OCD, and Tourettes, Sophie-Maude was once unable to leave her home or attend mainstream school. Through songwriting and performance, she found her voice, and her songs now top the charts in her home country.

READ: Neurodiverse singer Sophie-Maude uses music to share her experiences

In another partnership with the singer, Autism Jersey is to create a Music Hub for neurodiverse islanders.

Although in the early stages, the charity hopes the community space and project will be put together by early next year.

Lesley Harrison is Head of Charitable Services:

"Music, -singing, and using musical instruments - for neurodiverse individuals make a huge difference. It supports their social skills, their communication, their motor skills, and emotional regulation. It got all of those benefits.

"We're currently looking at potential venues and facilities. We're talking to tutors we could potentially work with, how we can collaborate and make it exclusive."

Lesley says they had a meeting last week:

"There are loads of collaborations that we can do with the space.

"Now all we need to do is look at timelines, but it's got so much potential."

She says Sophie Maude is a testament to music as a tool for expression:

"She's a really positive role model, she's inspirational to many people. She's given hope, 'this is what can be done, this is what can be achieved."