Empower Youth. Build Leaders. Create Change.

The Mind and Soul Project is a Community Interest Company (CIC) committed to empowering young people and strengthening communities through resilience training, leadership development, and creative engagement.

We believe that every individual has the potential to overcome challenges, develop confidence, and become a positive force for change. Our work is designed to build emotional resilience, inspire future leaders, and create opportunities for people from all backgrounds to connect, learn, and thrive.

Together with our community partners, we inspire young people to become confident, resilient, and capable leaders. Our programmes focus on building emotional strength, self-belief, and practical life skills, enabling participants to face challenges with courage and realise their full potential.

Email us now

themindandsoulproject@gmail.com

Our Mission

To inspire a generation of resilient young leaders who shape stronger and more connected communities.

Who We Are

We are dedicated to helping young people succeed in a world that feels divided right now.

At The Mind and Soul Project, we are committed to empowering young people to overcome adversity, develop resilience, and become confident leaders, regardless of any barriers they may face.

 

We run a flagship programme that we tailor to different ages, abilities, and individual needs, including specific personal and social challenges. This flagship programme is available to schools, colleges, and higher education settings.

 

We also deliver tailored packages for employers, designed to meet the needs of teams and organisations in professional environments.

 

Everything we do is driven by a commitment to:

  • Building resilience so young people can  thrive.
  • Developing confident leaders who inspire positive change.
  • Empowering young people with the skills, positive mindset, and self-belief.
  • Using creativity and the arts to strengthen communities, encourage collaboration, and celebrate diverse voices.
  • Creating meaningful opportunities for young people to connect, contribute, and lead.

 

Our flagship programme and employee programme both include three core components, designed to build resilience, develop practical skills, and support personal and professional growth. Each programme is tailored to the students or participants, ensuring it meets their individual needs, abilities, and contexts.

The Resilience Project

Our flagship programme is our youth resilience course. This  equips young people with practical tools to manage stress, strengthen emotional wellbeing, and build confidence for life’s challenges. 

Participants Learn:

  • Emotional resilience
  • Stress management techniques
  • Goal setting and motivation
  • Self-confidence and self-belief
  • Healthy relationships and communication
  • Coping with change and adversity

Delivered through engaging workshops, group sessions, and interactive learning experiences, the programme helps young people develop skills that support lifelong development.

Belong and Connect Project

This programme supports young people in exploring identity, understanding diversity, and building positive relationships across different communities.

Key Focus Areas:

  • Understanding identity and belonging
  • Building empathy and mutual respect
  • Challenging stereotypes and prejudice
  • Developing leadership skills
  • Promoting community harmony
  • Reducing social division and polarisation

 

Our goal is to foster stronger, more inclusive communities where everyone feels respected, valued, and connected.

Young woman wearing a hijab in a community space
Leadership infographic showing the qualities of a leader: Integrity, Vision, Positive Attitude, Sense of Humour, Solid Communicator and Inspiring

Young Leaders Project

We believe young people are powerful agents of change.

The Young Leaders Programme helps participants develop the confidence and leadership skills needed to make a positive impact within their communities.

Programme Outcomes:

  • Leadership development
  • Public speaking and communication skills
  • Community engagement
  • Social action planning
  • Confidence building
  • Decision-making skills

Participants are encouraged to design and lead initiatives that create meaningful and lasting change.

Mind & Soul Sessions

We bring people together through creative events, arts, crafts, workshops, and community forums designed to strengthen relationships, boost wellbeing, and encourage connection.

Our events create engaging, hands-on spaces where people can express themselves, share experiences, and build meaningful relationships through creativity and collaboration.

Our events aim to:

  • Encourage meaningful dialogue and creative expression
  • Promote understanding, inclusion, and connection
  • Support mental wellbeing through creative engagement
  • Celebrate diversity through arts, culture, and shared activities
  • Build stronger, more connected communities

These sessions provide safe, welcoming spaces where individuals can learn from one another, explore creativity, and work together to address local challenges in positive and practical ways.

Our Vision

Through collaboration, learning, and community engagement, we empower young people to build resilience and develop leadership skills, shaping a stronger, more connected future for everyone.

We envision a future where:

  • Young people are resilient, confident, and empowered
  • Diversity is celebrated and respected
  • Communities are united rather than divided
  • Every individual has the opportunity to fulfil their potential

 

Youth Resilience and Leadership Training

Financial Literacy for young people

Connected communities

Mind and Soul creative sessions

Programmes & Pricing

Interactive, evidence-informed workshops that build resilience, self-leadership, and belonging — tailored for schools, colleges, community organisations, and employers.

Flagship Programme

Resilience, Leadership & Belonging

Schools, sixth forms, colleges and universities

£3,000

Up to 25 students — just £120 per student


  • Six-week programme
  • One 90-minute workshop per week
  • Resilience and self-leadership
  • Belonging and emotional intelligence
  • Hands-on activities and structured reflection
  • Practical tools for everyday life
Get in Touch

Workplace Resilience & Leadership

Employers and teams

From £500

Up to 5 participants, then £100 per additional person


  • Tailored to your organisation
  • Resilience and self-leadership
  • Building supportive teams
  • Communication and belonging
  • Wellbeing support
Get in Touch

Individual Workshop

Schools, colleges, charities, youth groups and employers

£250

Single 90-minute session


  • Standalone session
  • Great introduction to our work
  • Suitable for a wide range of settings
  • Tailored to your group
Get in Touch

Pricing at a glance

Package Price Format
Flagship Programme £3,000 Six 90-minute workshops over six weeks (up to 25 students)
Workplace Package £500 for up to 5, then £100 per additional participant Tailored sessions
Individual Workshop £250 Single 90-minute workshop

Sophina Rafique
Founder & Director

Sophina Rafique is the founder of The Mind and Soul Project, a Community Interest Company (C.I.C) established from a lifelong passion for supporting young people, strengthening communities, and creating lasting social change.

 

A qualified solicitor and qualified teacher (PGCE), Sophina brings many years of experience in higher education, curriculum design, and professional practice. She has taught and developed academic programmes across the University of Greater Manchester and the University of Lancashire, where she currently serves as a Senior Lecturer in Law and course leads the Masters Programme in Solicitors Legal Practice (LLM).

 

Throughout her career, she has designed and led innovative courses that combine academic excellence with practical, real-world application.

 

Beyond her teaching, Sophina has worked with Liverpool John Moores University (LMJU) and BPP University as an external panel member, advising on the quality, design, and appropriateness of new academic programmes. She has also collaborated with international partner universities, supporting the development of high-quality educational provision and maintaining rigorous academic standards across diverse learning environments.

 

Alongside her work in higher education, Sophina has a strong understanding of the school sector. As the former Chair of Governors at her local secondary school, she worked closely with senior leaders to provide strategic oversight, strengthen governance, and champion the best outcomes for pupils. 

 

These experiences have given Sophina a unique understanding of education, leadership, and the challenges facing young people today. Her work is underpinned by a strong commitment to evidence-based practice, social mobility, mental wellbeing, and inclusion.

 

 

Meet our Board of Advisors

Our advisors bring a wealth of experience across law, education, media, and governance — all united by a passion for empowering young people.

MN

Marcus Nisar

CEO, Media M

Bringing leadership, industry insight, and a passion for creating opportunities for young people to thrive.

BK

Beverley Caddick Kala

Subject Leader in Law, Liverpool John Moores University

Supporting our educational vision and helping inspire the next generation to achieve their potential.

AI

Asif Ibrahim

Director of Legal Governance, Manchester City Council

Providing guidance on strategic leadership and governance to strengthen our foundations.

AH

Dr Ansar Hussain

Director, ADK Law Solicitors

Offering invaluable legal expertise and advocacy to help young people navigate challenges and build confidence in their futures.

MS

Prof. Mo Sadiq

Assistant Teaching Professor in Accounting, University of Greater Manchester

Sharing knowledge, experience, and practical guidance to equip young people with the skills needed for long-term success.

Our Vision

"To empower young people to grow in confidence, resilience, and leadership so they can reach their full potential."

The Mind & Soul Project

Join Our Youth Panel

Young people don't just benefit from our work — they shape it. We are building a Youth Panel of passionate, driven individuals who will help inform our programmes, challenge our thinking, and ensure everything we do truly meets the needs of the communities we serve. If you want your voice to matter, this is your opportunity.

Ready to get involved? We would love to hear from you.

themindandsoulproject@gmail.com

We would love to hear from you

Whether you are a young person, school, college, community organisation, employer, funder, volunteer, or potential partner, we would love to hear from you.

Together, we can build a stronger future, stronger communities, and a more connected youth.

The Mind and Soul Project

To inspire a generation of resilient young leaders who shape stronger and more connected communities.💜