RAG ’N’ BONE MAN has teamed up with a charity which helps young adults develop through music.

The international best-selling artist plays to packed-out stadiums across the UK.

But the Uckfield-born singer songwriter, whose real name is Rory Graham, still remembers his humble beginnings and those who helped him and is now giving something back.

Speaking in a film about his work with the AudioActive charity, which has offices in Jew Street, Brighton, he said: “Even though I’m this big dude, I remember being on stage and being so meek and shy.

“There were people who said you just need to look people in the eye and say or sing it like you mean it.

“That was a real turning point for me, that little bit of confidence where someone can just go ‘it’s cool man don’t worry about it, it will be fine’ and I want that for somebody else.”

One of those early mentors in Rory’s career was Tom Hines, a project manager at the music charity.

AudioActive works with young people, some of them with problems, and uses music as a tool for social change, education and personal development.

Now at the pinnacle of his own music industry success, Rag ’n’ Bone Man is helping the charity and its work across Sussex.

Adam Joolia, chief executive of AudioActive, said: “Tom gave Rory his first gig and we’ve worked closely with him over the years.

“We don’t just work with disadvantaged kids, but a huge range of kids and it’s inclusive of everybody.

“Everyone comes together under a love for music.

“It’s a great leveller as it shows that everyone can get along in society.

The charity runs projects that help young offenders improve their career prospects, teenagers who are violent in the home reconcile with their parents and groups centred around mental health.

Mr Joolia said: “We look at how creative processes can help people but we never forget it’s music first and foremost.

“It about the kids expressing themselves, so it’s personally reflective and they’re not just being told what to do.

“I think that’s why they’re so responsive to it.”