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ABOUT US - Hybrid 3
Hybrid 3
Where People Create, Learn and Be Heard
Hybrid 3 is a youth-led creative organisation providing high-quality music, sound and storytelling opportunities for young people and adults. We work particularly with those facing barriers to access, supporting them to develop their voice, improve wellbeing, and access pathways into creativity, education and employment.
Our Mission
Our mission is to increase access to high-quality music, sound and creative expression, enabling people of all ages—particularly those facing barriers—to develop their voice, build confidence, and access meaningful opportunities.
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We combine professional creative practice with inclusive programmes, creating pathways from first engagement through to skills development, artistic output and progression into education, employment and the creative industries.
Our Creative Approach
Our work is rooted in high-quality, youth-led creative practice, with a focus on music, sound and storytelling.
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We support participants to move beyond access into active creation—working alongside professional artists, producers and facilitators to develop original work. Through co-creation, participants shape the work they produce, ensuring that diverse voices are represented and reflected in contemporary culture.
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We are committed to delivering work that is both accessible and artistically ambitious, contributing to a more inclusive and representative creative sector.
Our Impact
We create meaningful and measurable change through creativity.
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Our work supports young people and adults to:
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Build confidence and self-expression
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Develop creative and technical skills
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Improve wellbeing and reduce isolation
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Access new opportunities in education, employment and creative practice
We prioritise those who face barriers to access, ensuring that creativity becomes a tool for connection, development and long-term change.
Who We Support
We work with a wide range of individuals and communities, with a focus on those who face the greatest barriers to participation.
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This includes:
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Young people experiencing disadvantage or exclusion
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Individuals with learning disabilities
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People facing mental health challenges
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Those affected by poverty, homelessness or displacement
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Individuals excluded from education or at risk of disengagement
Our work is designed to be inclusive, accessible and responsive to individual needs.
Our Audience Approach
We are committed to developing and engaging a diverse and inclusive audience, ensuring that our work reaches both participants and the wider public.
Our approach focuses on:
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Removing barriers to access, including cost, confidence and prior experience
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Targeted outreach to underrepresented and underserved communities
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Building long-term relationships with participants, audiences and partners
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Creating public-facing opportunities, including performances, showcases and events
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Supporting progression from participation into active cultural engagement
We aim not only to engage participants, but to develop active audiences who connect with and contribute to creative work.
Pathways & Progression
We provide clear and supported pathways for progression.
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Participants can move through our programmes from:
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First engagement and open access activity
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Structured learning and skills development
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Creative output (recording, performance, production)
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Progression into education, employment or creative practice
By connecting community programmes with professional facilities and industry experience, we create opportunities that are both inclusive and aspirational.
Health & Wellbeing
We recognise the vital role creativity plays in supporting mental health and wellbeing.
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Our programmes provide a safe and supportive environment where individuals can:
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Build confidence
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Reduce isolation
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Express themselves creatively
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Develop a sense of belonging
We are committed to being a mental health-aware organisation, ensuring our work supports both creative and personal development.
Our Work
We offer a range of creative services and programmes, including:
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Recording studios and audio production
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Rehearsal spaces
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Music education and workshops
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Live and electronic music activity
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Community and youth programmes
A key part of our work is StoryBombs, an inclusive programme where participants create original audio and radio content. This programme prioritises those who face the greatest barriers to access and provides a powerful platform for storytelling and creative expression.
Our Commitment to Quality
We are committed to delivering work of high artistic and professional quality.
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Our team includes experienced creative practitioners working across music, audio production, writing and facilitation. We ensure that all participants—regardless of background or experience—have access to professional environments, equipment and support.
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We continuously reflect on and improve our practice to ensure our work meets both artistic standards and community need.
Partnerships & Collaboration
We work in partnership with organisations across the cultural, education and community sectors to extend our reach and impact.
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Our partnerships enable us to:
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Reach new communities
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Deliver high-quality programmes
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Create joined-up pathways for participants
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Contribute to the wider cultural and community ecosystem
Governance
Hybrid 3 is governed by an independent Board of Directors who provide strategic oversight, financial accountability and safeguarding leadership.
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The Board meets quarterly and brings together expertise across youth work, the arts, finance, community development and business. They work closely with the leadership team to support long-term planning, organisational resilience and high standards of delivery.
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Safeguarding and wellbeing are central to our governance, ensuring that all activity is delivered in a safe and inclusive environment.
Our Values
Our work is guided by a clear set of values that shape how we operate every day:
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Safe & Supportive – We create environments where people feel secure and valued
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Accountable & Responsible – We take ownership of our work and actions
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Nurturing – We support growth and development at every stage
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Mental Health Aware – We prioritise wellbeing and understanding
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Enabling – We create opportunities and remove barriers
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Constructive Challenge – We encourage respectful feedback and improvement
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Consistency & Professionalism – We deliver high-quality work reliably
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Collaboration & Ambition – We work together to create meaningful impact
Safeguarding, Policies & Compliance
We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of safety, professionalism and ethical practice.
We operate a comprehensive set of policies, including:
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Safeguarding and Child Protection
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Health & Safety
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Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
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GDPR and Data Protection
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AI and Digital Ethics
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Code of Conduct
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Risk Management
All staff are trained appropriately, and our policies are regularly reviewed to ensure they remain effective and up to date.
Our Future
We are currently developing plans for Sound Works, a new creative hub that will expand our impact and reach.
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This project is in the research and development phase and will bring together:
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Creative production
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Education and training
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Public engagement
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Youth employment opportunities
Sound Works will enable us to support more people, deliver more ambitious work, and create a sustainable model that connects community access with the wider creative economy.
Work With Us
We welcome partnerships with organisations, funders and supporters who share our commitment to creativity, inclusion and opportunity.
If you are interested in working with us, supporting our programmes, or developing a partnership, we would love to hear from you.
Meet the Team
Matt Ritchie
Founder & Creative Lead
Matt is Managing Director of Hybrid 3. Since its founding in 2015, Hybrid has evolved alongside Matt’s strong vision for accessible, community-driven spaces.
With his background in music and grassroots arts development, Matt’s creative direction prioritises the sustainability of inclusive opportunities for all.
Johnny Keating
Lead Producer
Johnny oversees all production output at Hybrid 3 as Lead Producer. With 20+ years of experience as an artist, and over a decade of experience as a producer, he is an expert in studio production.
Johnny brings his songwriting, performance, and arrangement experience to studio sessions, supporting artists from concept through to completion, helping them achieve professional results while nurturing their creative voice.
Monique Grimwade
Marketing & Communications Manager
Monique leads Hybrid 3’s Marketing and Communications. Her background in journalism and as a working artist offers a unique insight on Hybrid’s audience and how to connect with them.
As well as promoting Hybrid’s services, her work focuses on strengthening community connections and championing the studio’s open access opportunities.
Emily Hearne
Workshop Consultant & Designated Safeguarding Lead
Emily supports the design and delivery of workshops while acting as Designated Safeguarding Lead. Qualified in Mental Health First Aid Level 2 Emily has a strong focus on improving mental health and wellbeing for team members and participants .
She brings a strong understanding of participant engagement and safeguarding practices, helping maintain high standards across all programmes.
Her consultancy role ensures continuous improvement in reach and impact with our youth work.
Aidan O'Reilly
Project Manager and Systems Consultant
Aidan oversees delivery on all operations at Hybrid 3, streamlining internal processes and strengthening the organisation’s impact.
His expertise in project management supports the team and our clients by promoting an environment of efficiency and accountability.
Qualified in Mental Health First Aid Level 2 His practice is rooted in an understanding of how to create an environment which prioritises the team’s mental health and wellbeing.
Natasha Wood
Workshop Facilitator & Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
Natasha delivers workshops across a range of creative disciplines while also serving as Hybrid 3’s Designated Safeguarding Lead.
Her training in music therapy and SEN education helps to ensure all sessions are inclusive, engaging, and safe, with a strong emphasis on participant wellbeing.
Her work is central to creating a supportive environment for young people and emerging artists.