Finding Rhythms Welcomes Baroness Lola Young as Patron
We are delighted to announce that Baroness Lola Young has joined the charity as a Patron.
Former actor, professor of Cultural Studies, and former Head of Culture at the Greater London Authority, Baroness Young has written and broadcast extensively on a wide range of cultural and social issues. Throughout her distinguished career, she has championed equality, sustainability, human rights and access to culture. Raised in foster care in north London, Baroness Young studied Drama before becoming an actor.
Awarded an OBE for services to Black British History in 2001, Baroness Young was appointed as an independent Crossbench member of the House of Lords in 2004, where she has worked on legislation to eliminate modern slavery and co-chaired parliamentary groups focused on ethics, sustainability, sport and human rights.
Baroness Young has served on the boards of several leading cultural organisations including the National Theatre and Southbank Centre, and has chaired major literary prizes including the Man Booker Prize, the Orange Prize for Women’s Fiction and the Caine Prize for African Writing. Her memoir, 8 Weeks: Looking Back, Moving Forwards, Defying the Odds, was published in 2024.
Her many accolades include lifetime achievement awards for services to racial equality and the archival sector, as well as honorary doctorates from the Universities of Sussex, Middlesex and Nottingham, and the London College of Fashion. She is currently Co-Chair of the Foundation for Future London and Chancellor of the University of Nottingham.
Finding Rhythms works to support people in prison and those leaving the criminal justice system through music, mentoring and rehabilitation programmes. Baroness Young’s longstanding commitment to social justice and opportunity makes her an inspiring addition to the charity as it continues to expand its work across the UK.
Baroness Young says of her appointment:
I am delighted to become a Patron of Finding Rhythms. The organisation’s commitment to rehabilitation, creativity and second chances is deeply important. Music can play a powerful role in helping people rebuild confidence, reconnect with themselves and imagine different futures. I look forward to championing Finding Rhythms and the vital work it does to support people in prison and beyond.
Finding Rhythms’ Chair of Trustees, Julie Dark, says:
We are honoured to welcome Baroness Lola Young as a Patron of Finding Rhythms. Her lifelong commitment to culture, equality and social justice reflects so many of the values at the heart of our work. We are hugely grateful for her support.
