On the 19th of July, our incredibly talented Future Collaborations Group took centre stage at the packed SeaChange Summertime Gig to perform their best original hits. The group were accompanied by award-winning composer Ben Lunn and sound producer Mark Broughton, who recently recorded the number one album Seventeen Going Under with local legend Sam Fender.
Based at Westoe Crown Community Hub, we are a small community interest company that strives to enable, enrich and empower the lives of people with autism and learning disabilities.
A recent partnership with Youth Music has allowed our young people to express themselves freely through the power of music, thanks to our new Future Collaborations Project. The project provides disadvantaged and vulnerable, hard-to-reach people aged 14-25 with access to free high-quality music tuition.
Youth Music: “We believe that every young person should have the chance to change their lives through music. Yet, our research shows that many can’t because of who they are, where they’re from or what they’re going through.
Our insights, influence and investment in grassroots organisations and young people themselves mean that more 0–25-year-olds can make, learn and earn in music”.
Future Collaborations Project Lead Andrew Coiley said: “The project is helping so many young adults and is very inspiring. It seems to attract a variety of people, whether they are beginners learning a musical instrument or intermediate players looking to hone their skills. But there is another side to this course that is very special, it is the young adults who have been attending regularly, who may have learning difficulties, mental health challenges such as anxiety or depression, or any other issue that may affect them, who are gaining the most out of this by being around others, making new friends and getting a chance to express themselves through music by learning and performing – it is great to see”.
In preparation for the event, our Future Collaborations Group worked closely with renowned composer and winner of two Scottish Music Awards, Ben Lunn. They attended weekly sessions at Pop Recs Ltd, The Kayaks, The Urban Project and Mark Broughton Sound Production, which saw skills flourish, friendships bloom, and self-confidence develop.
Many turned out in the sun to watch the group as they performed their original hits, proudly written and composed alongside Ben.
One parent writes: “For me, it was emotional to watch Jess get to play and sing music which is her passion. Also, to attend [AutismAble Future Collaborations] workshops and get so much from them. From a girl who struggles so much with social anxiety and has poor emotional health to playing in public with confidence was just amazing! She loves coming to her weekly music sessions, where I think she feels she can be like herself without that extreme social anxiety.”
If you want to learn more about our Future Collaborations Project, including how you can get involved, click here.
Future Collaborations is backed by Youth Music, thanks to the National Lottery via Arts Council England.
