PCC funding strikes a chord in Caerphilly

Young people in Caerphilly are being engaged through music thanks to a project funded by Police and Crime Commissioner Jane Mudd.

Social enterprise RecRock is delivering weekly creative music sessions designed to build confidence and resilience, while inspiring young people to make positive life choices.

Participants work together to learn new instruments, write original music and support one another throughout the creative process. They will also plan and deliver three public performances, gaining valuable skills in teamwork, problem-solving and leadership.

Police and Crime Commissioner Jane Mudd said: “Investing in young people through creative opportunities like this empowers them to develop vital skills, grow in confidence and build positive futures for themselves and their communities.”

The project supports the priorities set out in the Commissioner’s Police, Crime and Justice Plan and is partially funded using money recovered from the proceeds of crime. Community groups can apply to the fund for grants ranging from £1,000 to £50,000 to support local initiatives.

Daniel Fitzgerald, chief executive of RecRock, said: “Many young people face challenges they find difficult to talk about directly. Through songwriting, they can safely express their lived experiences, explore their emotions and develop healthy coping mechanisms.

"Our sessions aim to be fun and participant led, we always encourage young people to bring in music they like to learn as a group, so we get them to learn songs as a big group using guitars, bass, drums, keyboards and singing. We've been working on songs by Queen, The Fratellis, Wheatus and Lady Gaga. We use music to work on communication, teamwork and confidence and explore being out of your comfort zone.

“From speaking to parents of young people, they always say it's great to see the kids off their phones or computers and working together to do something productive. We love to show the positive impact on the community by doing things to bring people together and share the joy of making music together."