Jubilee Church Life Centre in Grantham awarded £414,654 over five years from National Lottery Community Fund to teach music and media skills to young people

Over £400,000 has been awarded to support a Grantham project that will allow young people to learn skills in music and media.

Jubilee Church Life Centre in London Road has been awarded £414,654 over five years from the National Lottery Community Fund for its “Young Creatives” project.

Young Creatives has evolved from music initiatives which have been run by the centre over the last three years, including Live Sound Take and Junior Live Sound.

The project will include music and media tuition by experienced tutors, from basic levels to advanced, as well as sessions centred around musical instruments including keyboard, guitar and drumming.

There will also be sessions in song writing, image editing, film-making, graphics and photography.

Pat Whittaker, of Jubilee Church Life Centre, said: “For many years we have run music projects with disadvantaged young people aged 11 to 18.

“The young people have been key in co-creating ‘Young Creatives’, they see this as their project and have pushed hard for their idea to become a reality.

“The project will also encourage young people to take part in community performances as this will give them the opportunity to learn new skills, gain confidence and enhance team building.

“[We are] working with schools and support agencies who are looking forward to the start of this exciting project this will allow young people to improve their well-being learn new skills and make new and lasting friendships.

“This will also enable them to learn how to work together and identify the help and support they need to feel part of the local community.”

There will also be a weekly music cafe which aims to tackle issues such as social interaction, peer mentoring and provide further opportunities for volunteering.

A launch celebration at the centre took place on October 17, with representatives from South Kesteven District Council and young people in attendance.

Mayor of Grantham, Councillor Mark Whittington, said that it was “great to see so many young people enjoying themselves and learning new skills”.

Councillor Rhea Rayside, cabinet member for people and communities, said: “This is an amazing project. Such a positive impact on our community.”

Carol Drury, SKDC community engagement manager described the project as “excellent and “well-run”.

She added: ”[The project is] full of positive influence for young people who obviously feel safe and have grown in confidence as a result of being involved and been given support by a fantastic team.”

For more information, visit: www.jubileegrantham.co.uk.