The Muse Community Music Trust in Otautahi Christchurch is challenging people’s view of themselves as musicians. Many of the people who join classes and choirs often believe they are too old, too young, or not talented enough to be real musicians. When you look at the Trust’s website, it says that they believe that music is not a question of talent, rather it is lack of opportunity that divides ‘musicians’ from ‘non-musicians’. They believe competition doesn’t belong in art, and that we learn best when we are having fun and we feel safe.

Auckland’s UMMA Trust, which was established in Auckland 18 years ago, provides services for former refugee and migrant communities, with a focus on the wellbeing of Muslim women, children and families who are socially and economically disadvantaged.

UMMA is an Arabic word that means – a world Muslim community. And while the Trust supports former refugees and migrants by reaching them through their own cultures and languages, their programmes are designed to support the challenging process of settlement.