Offers young people the opportunity to learn a new skill
The project offers accessible music courses to those who would otherwise be unlikely to learn an instrument, through Blackpool Music School. This offers young people the opportunity to learn a new skill, whilst acting as a diversionary activity that helps reduce crime and anti-social behaviour.
The 42 week course, set to run for the rest of 2018, will see up to 20 young people taking part, starting with individual one-to-one tuition before moving quickly to group learning with a mix of instruments to harness the social and performance aspects of music.
This follows similar projects run by the music school, aimed at engaging those who may otherwise have little to do and ensure they avoid getting involved in crime, or becoming a victim of crime.
Clive Grunshaw, Lancashire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, said:
“It was great to visit Blackpool Music School and see first-hand how involved the young people have already become in this project, progressing quickly and clearly enjoying taking part and learning a new skill.
“Projects like this provide real development for young people and without organisations such as this school, many less people would have these opportunities. It also keeps them off the streets and less likely to either become a victim of crime or get involved in crime, such as anti-social behaviour, themselves.
“Developing safe and confident communities is a key priority in my Police and Crime Plan and it’s great to see a real difference being made in areas that are benefiting from my Community Action Fund, which supports community groups in keeping their area safe and reducing crime.”
John Shaw, Founder Chairman of Blackpool Music School, said:
“It was great to be able to show the Commissioner the project, seeing the learners at the beginning of their journey with us. If we were not able to offer this then these young people would probably not get the chance to gain skills in this way.
“Receiving a grant from the Commissioner’s Community Action Fund played a key part in delivering this project, providing an interest for their future and showing that there is better, more engaging things to do than hanging around on the street.”
For more details about the Community Action Fund, including funding criteria and how to apply, visit the CAF section of the Commissioners website https://www.lancashire-pcc.gov.uk/our-money/grant-funding/community-action-fund/
