Cash boost for music project

A CASH boost is music to the ears of members of the Cheshire West, Halton and Warrington Youth Offending Service.
They are celebrating a successful funding application to the Children’s Charity the National Foundation of Youth Music
The service, which works with young people involved in the criminal justice system across the three boroughs, has been awarded £49,000 to work alongside Score Creative Education in delivering the ‘Plugged In’ music development sessions in Warrington, Widnes and Ellesmere Port.
And they celebrated their success by launching the project at Orford Youth Base on Thursday 10 April.
Chris Sweeting from the youth offending service said: ‘We feel this is great project to be involved in. There are multiple outcomes that we’re aiming to achieve but fundamentally we’re trying to bring about a change in young people’s behaviour. Studies have shown that music projects can do this by improving self-esteem and changing the perceptions that those involved have about themselves and the way they work with others.’
Score Creative Education Director, Steve Oates agrees, ‘We’ve seen with our recent work at Orford Youth Base that music making can provide young people with valuable opportunities for personal development. If we can get someone to reimagine themselves as a dedicated DJ, Rapper, Music Producer or Lead Guitarist in a hard-working rock band then that will be a great outcome for themselves and the people around them.’
‘Music has been proved to improve mood, increase motivation and reduce anger. The ‘Back on Track’ project will give these young people opportunities for expression and release as well as, hopefully, resources for dealing with difficult emotions. We’re looking forward to seeing the positive effects this has on those involved.’
DJ/Music Production tutor Mike Coleman is an ex student of Warrington Collegiate and Chester University, Padgate Campus.
Mike said: ‘I’m really looking forward to being involved in the ‘Back on Track’ project. Some of these young people are certainly hard to reach but we’ve found many times that music tuition, especially if it involves the music that they’re passionate about, can be the key to turning them around.’
‘The Back on Track’ Music project begins on June 2 and will run for 12 months.
For further information please contact Chris Sweeting [email protected]