Impact & Projects

Y.A founded BLOSSOM YOUNG MUMS to create a safe, inclusive space where young mums—especially those aged 15–25 from Black, Asian, or ethnically diverse backgrounds—can express themselves through writing, connect with others, and heal in community. Inspired by her own journey of breaking cycles and finding power in words, BLOSSOM offers creative workshops, group discussions, and a play space for little ones, empowering mums to grow, share, and be seen. 

Yasmin Ali, is a key mentor in Goldsmiths University's Alchemy project: a youth-led creative collective that offers free access to music rehearsal and recording spaces for 13–19-year-olds in Lewisham. As a spoken word artist and lyricist, she leads workshops in poetry, rap, songwriting, and performance, helping young creatives build confidence and develop their artistic voices. Yasmin also utilizes the Alchemy residency at the Goldsmiths Centre for Contemporary Art to run writing labs and film creative content. Her contributions are featured in the Alchemy Is... mixtape and book, a collection showcasing the diverse talents nurtured within the Alchemy community. 

Yasmin played a pivotal role in Lewisham Music’s award-winning project, Sonic Minds. This two-year initiative engaged over 350 care-experienced and displaced young people across South-East London, providing them with opportunities to express their stories and emotions through music and spoken word. Yasmin co-led the project alongside fellow musician Arun Janssens, bringing her expertise in spoken word and lyricism to guide participants in crafting original pieces that reflect their lived experiences. The project culminated in the creation of 'The Sonic Mind,' an interactive sound sculpture that allows audiences to engage with the youths' compositions by touching different parts of the installation. Sonic Minds was recognized with the 'Try Something New Award' at the London Youth Awards, highlighting its innovative approach to supporting young people's mental health through creative expression.

Y.A Poet, collaborated with Murmuration Arts to lead creative writing and spoken word workshops for young mothers in Crawley. These sessions provided a nurturing environment for participants to express their experiences and emotions through poetry and storytelling. By sharing their narratives, the young mums found empowerment and connection, fostering a supportive community that values their voices and journeys.

As the founder of the Young Wordsmith Project, Yasmin offers writing workshops and performance events for young people in South London. The project empowers youth to develop their storytelling skills and confidence through poetry and spoken word

Yasmin co-leads the REZON8 Bootcamp—a creative initiative designed to empower young people through lyricism, spoken word, and performance. In collaboration with fellow artists and creatives, Yasmin guides participants in exploring their personal narratives and developing their artistic voices. The bootcamp culminates in a showcase event, providing a platform for emerging talents to present their work and connect with a broader audience. 

Y.A Poet, leads the Lewisham Music Lyricist Collective, where she mentors young artists aged 13–19 in rap, spoken word, and lyricism. Through the Lewisham Studio Sessions, she collaborates with producer Intalekt to guide participants in crafting compelling lyrics and recording their work in a professional studio environment. Her sessions focus on empowering young creatives to find their voice and express their stories authentically. For more info click here

Yasmin collaborated with 4Front to lead The Heart Programme, a half-term initiative focusing on healing through music. During the February 2024 school break, she mentored young people in writing techniques and creative expression.

Y.A serves as a Music Leader with ArtsTrain, a youth music development program in South London. In this role, she mentors young people in songwriting, lyricism, and performance, guiding them to express their personal narratives through music. Her work includes leading a 10-week project at Castlecombe Youth Centre, where she facilitated sessions on rapping, singing, and music production. This initiative provided a supportive environment for participants to explore their emotions and experiences, culminating in original tracks that reflect their journeys. 

Y.A faciltiated the award winning Front Line Young Minds podcast—an initiative by Lewisham Music exploring the link between music and youth mental health. Through powerful conversations alongside artists like The Floacist and Lex Amor,. The podcast offers insight into the emotional impact of creativity and the importance of safe spaces for young people to express themselves.