Project Report: When Business Feels Blesst

Category: Project Reports

Date: December 2025

Organisation: Blesst CIC

Report Author: Raymond (Rai Rai) Douglas MSc — CEO, Rai Rai Productions Ltd

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Overview

In December 2025, Raymond (Rai Rai) Douglas MSc, CEO of Rai Rai Productions Ltd, carried out a three-day creative engagement for Blesst CIC, a community interest company focused on supporting young people and families through cultural, educational, and wellbeing-led programmes. The work was delivered on a business-to-business basis, with Rai Rai acting as an external creative professional being considered as a formal member of the Blesst team.

Across two days of music mentoring and one day of staff support as part of Blesst’s H.A.F. Winter Project, Rai Rai worked closely with Blesst staff and young participants aged 9 to 16, contributing creative expertise, mentorship, and collaborative support.

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Purpose & Objectives

• To support Blesst CIC’s youth programmes through specialist music mentoring

• To help young people develop confidence, collaboration, and creative skills

• To contribute to staff-led activities supporting positive youth engagement

• To strengthen partnership working between creative and community-based organisations​

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Approach & Process

During the two music mentoring days, Rai Rai worked alongside Wayne McKenzie, Head of Music Mentoring, the wider Blesst team, and Richard Campbell MSc, CEO and Director of Blesst CIC. Sessions focused on helping young people:

• Collaborate creatively with peers

• Build confidence through vocal recording

• Develop practical music production skills

• Express themselves in a supportive, inclusive environment

The mentoring approach balanced technical guidance with encouragement and peer collaboration, allowing participants to explore music as both a creative outlet and a confidence-building tool.

On the third day, Rai Rai provided staff support by accompanying Blesst colleagues and a group of young people on a community outing to the cinema to watch the latest SpongeBob SquarePants film. This informal setting supported relationship-building, positive behaviour, and shared enjoyment, reinforcing trust between staff and young participants.

Although engaged externally, Rai Rai was fully welcomed into the working environment. During the project, Malikea, Director at Blesst CIC, shared the following words:

           “You’re great for Blesst — which I knew — so welcome on board.”

This affirmation reflected the alignment between Rai Rai’s approach and Blesst’s values-led work with young people.

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Outcomes & Impact

• Young participants demonstrated increased confidence and engagement during creative sessions

• Participants developed practical skills in music production and vocal recording

• Collaborative working encouraged teamwork, communication, and self-expression

• Informal activities strengthened trust and rapport between young people and staff

• Positive integration of external creative support within an existing youth programme​

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Reflection & Learning

This project reinforced the importance of blending structured creative mentoring with human-centred engagement. The combination of technical music support and everyday shared experiences proved effective in building confidence and connection with young people.

The experience also highlighted the value of cross-organisational collaboration, where creative practitioners and community organisations can complement one another’s expertise to create meaningful impact.​

Relevance to Rai Rai Productions Ltd (Creative Services).

“When Business Feels Blesst” reflects Rai Rai Productions’ commitment to creative empowerment, youth development, and values-driven collaboration. The project aligns closely with the company’s work across creative education, youth engagement, and community-focused practice.

This report forms part of Rai Rai Productions’ growing body of documented work supporting future partnerships, funding opportunities, and programme development across 2026 and beyond.

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Rai Rai has already started working on another Blesst project, so keep your eyes peeled for further Blesst Project Reports right here on Insights & Reports.

For more information about Blesst CIC and their work, visit: 👉 www.blesstcic.com