OUR PROJECTS
We are a team of innovative musicians taking instruments and putting them in the hands of marginalised and socially isolated communities. We work towards reducing isolation and improving mental health, connecting communities and building self esteem.
OUR PROJECTS
We are a team of innovative musicians taking instruments and putting them in the hands of marginalised and socially isolated communities. We work towards reducing isolation and improving mental health, connecting communities and building self esteem.
WORKING WITH BLIND & VISUALLY IMPAIRED COMMUNITIES
Nothing evidences our belief that music is for everyone quite like a project with visually impaired and blind adults. Using audio resources; all the technology we can get our hands on and good old fashioned glue and paint we have created a one of a kind course that has enabled people with significant sight difficulties to play guitar, connect with other people and even play live gigs.
HOW IT WORKS
Our learners receive an audio box and a guitar through the post.
The audio box is packed with lessons and practice motivation. Each learner is assigned a mentor with whom they have weekly contact. Then, we network our guitarists by inviting them to events, jams and concerts.
It’s simple, highly effective and forms communities built from music, common ground and mutual support. See our blog to learn more about how this project often evolves into something more than the music.
THE BENEFITS
Life with slight loss can be an isolating experience.
Musicality gives people a reason to connect and it forces common ground where perhaps there might be none. Aside from the well documented benefits around cognitive improvements and the emerging evidence around dementia provision, getting good at music just feels good. It flies in the faces of the ‘I can’t’ attitude and proves that with the right level of support, determination and self belief, anything is possible.
It’s magic. It’s wonderful. It’s just…music.
MEET MARY
Mary is 98 years old and has recently discovered a passion for Tom Petty and Guns and Roses. Her guitar class has become her social network and her calendar is full of gigs, jams and parties.
‘’I just love it. I have met so many new friends and I really couldn’t be without my guitar. I play for at least three hours a day. I’m obsessed!’’
THE GIFT A GUITAR SCHEME
In 2019 we gave away 125 guitars to destitute refugees; people at risk of homelessness; people facing physical disabilities; people living with complex mental health needs and individuals recovering from the effects of domestic violence. All of these people have been taught by our committed tutors, all have made great progress and many have attended our events where some have even played live.
HOW IT WORKS
After receiving a guitar in the post our learners commence their learning via video and personal mentoring. All learners are then invited to events, jams and talks where they meet learners going through the same process, they get to speak to their tutors and learn even more.
This is prescribed music and has created communities in the most unlikely of locations, bonding services users in the care of our partner charities and contributed significant boosts in self esteem amongst the many individuals that have used this service.
Did you know?
Learning an instrument can reduce stress, anxiety, depression, support the recovery of PTSD and improves concentration levels and cognitive ability.
MEET VERONICA
“The guitar practice is the highlight of my week and I have made such great progress. My goal is to be able to play in my church group. More practice needed but soon I’ll be there!”
PEOPLE WE HAVE WORKED WITH ON GIFT A GUITAR
In 2019 we gave away 125 guitars to destitute refugees; people at risk of homelessness; people facing physical disabilities; people living with complex mental health needs and recovering from the effects of domestic violence. All of these people have been taught by our committed tutors, all have made great progress and many have attended our events where some have even played live.
ISLINGTON REFUGEE CENTRE
We have been working with our budding musicians in islington for over a year. All of our students that we have met there are destitute asylum seekers and refugees. Asylum seekers and refugees suffer with high levels of mental health and PTSD; feel isolated from the wider community and experience hate crime; live in poor accommodation and have poor health outcomes.
SHELTER
The homeless community experience some of the worst outcomes than any other vulnerable group. Homeless people have an average life expectancy of just 47. They can also suffer from exacerbated mental health and primary mental health issues which are twice as high when compared with the general population: psychosis is 15 times higher. We are proud to work in partnership with Shelter to offer respite and a brief window of calm and cohesion to one of our most vulnerable communities.
YOUNG PEOPLE VIA LONDON YOUTH
We support young people throughout all of our projects, however we are passionate about providing an outlet to young people from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. Young people who have experienced poverty are more likely to experience poor physical and mental health problems; underachieve in education and lack employment opportunities.
Our emphasis with young people has been creativity: writing and using instruments to make some great original sounds. We’ve been told that our sessions in Croydon and Brixton are the highlight of the week. Our students’ parents and carers tell us they are surprised to see their children applying themselves to the practice and we’ve really enjoyed watching the results.
CROSS ROADS CENTRE, KENTISH TOWN
Our work with women receiving support from the Cross Roads Centre has enabled us to provide a real boost of self esteem where it is much needed, as well as creating common bonds where new friendships are much needed.
PEOPLE WE HAVE WORKED WITH ON GIFT A GUITAR
In 2019 we gave away 125 guitars to destitute refugees; people at risk of homelessness; people facing physical disabilities; people living with complex mental health needs and recovering from the effects of domestic violence. All of these people have been taught by our committed tutors, all have made great progress and many have attended our events where some have even played live.
ISLINGTON REFUGEE CENTRE
We have been working with our budding musicians in islington for over a year. All of our students that we have met there are destitute asylum seekers and refugees. Asylum seekers and refugees suffer with high levels of mental health and PTSD; feel isolated from the wider community and experience hate crime; live in poor accommodation and have poor health outcomes.
SHELTER
The homeless community experience some of the worst outcomes than any other vulnerable group. Homeless people have an average life expectancy of just 47. They can also suffer from exacerbated mental health and primary mental health issues which are twice as high when compared with the general population: psychosis is 15 times higher. We are proud to work in partnership with Shelter to offer respite and a brief window of calm and cohesion to one of our most vulnerable communities.
YOUNG PEOPLE VIA LONDON YOUTH
We support young people throughout all of our projects, however we are passionate about providing an outlet to young people from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. Young people who have experienced poverty are more likely to experience poor physical and mental health problems; underachieve in education and lack employment opportunities.
Our emphasis with young people has been creativity: writing and using instruments to make some great original sounds. We’ve been told that our sessions in Croydon and Brixton are the highlight of the week. Our students’ parents and carers tell us they are surprised to see their children applying themselves to the practice and we’ve really enjoyed watching the results.
CROSS ROADS CENTRE, KENTISH TOWN
Our work with women receiving support from the Cross Roads Centre has enabled us to provide a real boost of self esteem where it is much needed, as well as creating common bonds where new friendships are much needed.