Thelongwayround Youth Music Project is a non-profit making project based in Cornwall, in the process of setting up as a community interest company. We originally set up to provide music tuition and access to musical instruments for young people. A small victory has been had. Other agencies have now put money into the areas that needed reaching and are providing tuition. We like to think that this, at least in part, is due to thelongwayround raising awareness of this issue, and pressure from Young People who we have been involved with. We can now concentrate on setting up the Recording Studio and Rehearsal Rooms. We are currently collecting used Mobile Phones of any condition, to recycle and raise money for the project, so any donations are welcome.

We are very aware that inclusion is important, and actively seek to include Young People with Special Educational Needs and Young People of all abilities within this project.This inclusion is not intended, like so many others, to be in their own special group, but rather integrated as equal members in all and any of the groups or projects we run. Specialist workers and qualified Youth Workers will be involved in all stages of this project along with professional musicians.

Through experience within Youth Work settings, we have found music to be an invaluable communication tool for young people to have their voices heard, and a great tool to break down barriers to learning, self esteem issues and issues around individuals confidence. This project is not only designed to develop young peoples musical skills, but to develop social skills and self awareness, enabling young people through informed choices to function to the best of their ability within society.

 

Every pound counts, donations to get this project off to a flying start, however small, can be made via Paypal using the email address: donations@thelongwayround.co.uk . If you feel you can not donate anything, don't worry, your joining this group and support in general is extremely valuable to us and we thank you greatly.

 

So why use music within a Youth setting? Music has long been used to break down barriers. In my experience as a Youth Worker within music projects, music can be used to successfully tackle issues of self esteem and confidence. These projects give Young People a sense of belonging and purpose, and the drive and commitment that they will need to have throughout their adult lives. Many antisocial behaviours that Young People exhibit are due to the lack of belonging, drive and enthusiasm. There are also issues around not being academically adept. If they are thought of as ‘no hopers’ within an educational setting, their self esteem takes a great knock and has a negative impact on their lives. The use of music can counteract these effects, and that is why we also aim to implement a formal educational element to the project. The use of the ASDAN Expressive Arts Award along with the COPE Expressive Arts Award will furnish our Young People with a formal award nationally recognised as a GCSE equivalent.

Many thanks for showing an interest in the project
If there is anything else you need from us, please do not hesitate to contact.