Music Programmes funded by WCC to reduce impact of Covid-19 for youngsters in South Warwickshire

Please see this article by Claire Thomas

---

My name is Clare Thomas and I run SPARK Youth Music. We are a not for profit community interest company that strives to improve the mental health, confidence and self esteem of youngsters aged 8-16 by placing them in bands and teaching them how to play instruments, perform in gigs and record in a studio. No prior experience is necessary. 

More information on what we do can be found on our Facebook page @sparkyouthmusic

Warwickshire County Council have awarded us funding for 2 groups of youngsters to take part in our SPARK band programmes this year for free. These 2 groups of youngsters are:

- those who are self harming/at risk of doing so (eg suffering mental health issues such as anxiety and depression) - this programme will run in Stratford upon Avon (although there is scope for youngsters to attend the programme in Kenilworth if this is a more convenient location for them)

- those who have suffered a significant bereavement in their lives - this programme will run in Kenilworth (although there is scope for youngsters to attend the programme in Stratford if this is a more convenient location for them)

To be eligible for a funded place a youngster needs to currently be receiving professional mental health provision from a third sector organisation, mental health charity, NHS organisation etc. SPARK needs to have a designated contact from the mental health organisation that is supporting the youngster, that we can refer back to if we have any concerns regarding their welfare. 

I am attaching the 2 posters for the programmes: Stratford and Kenilworth. Please can I ask for your help in recruiting participants for our programmes? We know there are many young people in Warwickshire who can benefit hugely from what we do but we need to reach these families to make them aware of these opportunities and really hope you can work with us on this.