Music project helps vulnerable children in the Tees Valley
An innovative music project supporting children who have been exploited and experienced harm outside their home has been launched by a children’s charity in the Tees Valley.
Barnardo’s Tees Valley service is running the REACH music project which will enable young people from Middlesbrough and Stockton to express their feelings and experiences through music and aid their recovery.
Children aged 11-17 will be supported by skilled practitioners who will help them with music production, song writing, practical music workshops, sound engineering and a youth led podcast. They will also build skills in multimedia and develop technical music making abilities.
Staff will work alongside children using their knowledge of how trauma impacts on them to understand their behaviours and use therapeutic techniques to support them.
Clare Sullivan, Therapeutic Team Manager at Barnardo’s said: “The REACH music project is an exciting opportunity for young people with an interest in music to improve their wellbeing while doing something they enjoy. We will tailor the project to their musical interests and hope that the one to one sessions will develop into group work so the young people can collaborate musically together.
“We have a brand new, fully equipped music room and recording studio and music can be produced under the REACH Music record label and uploaded onto streaming sites. We even have established music contacts within the industry for those young people who wish to pursue this further, so this really is a fantastic opportunity for those who are referred to the service.”
The young people will also be invited to join a REACH leadership team who attend monthly meetings with the REACH project workers who will present progress and discuss the issues facing children and young people in Teesside. This will help to ensure the Barnardo’s team can address relevant concerns and deliver the most effective service. The leadership team will feed into all aspects of the project as it develops.
Access to the REACH Music Project is by referral only but if you require any further information or a referral form please contact [email protected]
Funding for this project has been secured from Youth Music.