Our new Children’s Community Support Programme is aiming to help children’s organisations based in London that are in need of support following the events of the past year. The second of these projects that we have chosen to support is The London Reading Centre’s ‘Music Marvels’ project.
Specifically, The London Reading Centre aims to aid vulnerable BAME young people who are disadvantaged by low-income, social exclusion or learning and emotional disabilities. They help these young people by providing them with literacy and creative skills to encourage them to develop across all areas. They believe that these skills are cornerstones to creating a healthy childhood which will have a positive impact in later life. Following the recent lockdowns and continued restrictions, the London Reading Centre believes that it is critical to provide children opportunities for success and achievement. We could not agree more with their goals and were eager to support their mission, hence we decided to help them with their newest programme ‘Music Marvels’.
‘Music Marvels’ provides after school sessions to young people, teaching them how to play a variety of musical instruments. Through the sessions, the children that attend can learn from positive role models and a new outlet to relieve stress. This is something that is particularly important to the ongoing mental health of these young people. Music has long been respected as a way to improve mental health. Some therapists even use music therapy as part of their sessions as it allows their patients to express a wide range of emotions ranging from happiness to sadness and anger. Music also calms us and allows our minds to process events encouraging thoughtfulness. Music therapists also see such therapy as fundamental to confidence, communication and interpersonal skills. All of which are similarly fundamental to the development of young people. To find out more about music therapy check out the British Association for Music therapy.
The programme will run throughout the summer, with every session being led by a talented instructor who has experience conducting a 20-piece orchestra and has written arrangements for various artists in the past. Through the donation from Little Lives UK, The London Reading Centre will be able to purchase new musical equipment, in order for them to begin running these sessions. Firstly, the donation will go towards purchasing acoustic guitars and other related equipment such as guitar bags & pics. The second part of the donation will go towards the purchase of violins. This will allow a diverse range of practices across various string instruments. We certainly cannot wait to hear the superb music these children are sure to create!
If you would like to find out more information about our Children’s Community Support Programme, or to apply, then click here.
