Safe spaces for young people at the Circle of Light
10th September 2024
The ‘Circle of Light’ is a project taking place in Nottingham to provide a safe space for young people facing mental health problems and music industry barriers. Kate Rounding, Industry Partnerships, told us more about the opportunities Circle of Light provides.
Photo credits: Fred Glenister
Launched in 2019 and funded by Youth Music, the award-winning music project ‘Circle of Light’ focuses on supporting young people facing barriers related to mental health and well-being. Directed by Tricia Gardiner, Director of Offshoots C.I.C., the project is best described by the young people themselves.
Tiffany Jade, a former participant who now is project co-ordinator, said:
“We’re all about breaking down those barriers and giving young people opportunities they may never have had before, whether that’s to work with other musicians, play around with new instruments, try out new styles or pick up some production skills.”
Over the past five years, the project has provided development opportunities and industry exposure for over 150+ young musicians, producers, and aspiring industry professionals. Working alongside professional musicians and producers young people create, record and perform original music. The project culminates with a public performance on World Mental Health Day each year.
The impact of Circle of Light goes beyond music creation, offering a safe and supportive environment. As participant Husna Khalid shared:
“I’ve been part of Circle of Light for a few years now, and it has definitely improved my confidence. Everyone is so supportive and welcoming, which is important, especially when you see things like the riots happening. It’s a place where you can explore your creativity without judgment and truly be yourself.”
Photo credits: Fred Glenister
Alongside the creative music making the project offers participants the opportunity to gain Rockschool Ltd. (RSL) accredited music qualifications from Level 2 to degree level. The process of embedding the qualifications began in 2023 with four young people achieving a Level 4 Professional Diploma (DipRSL), following this a partnership was formed with RSL and the Nottingham Music Hub which has seen the young people going on to mentor and teach on the newly established Level 2 (Creative Music Industries) qualification.
By pooling resources and expertise, Offshoots and its partners have developed shared programmes which engage young people who are supported by the Music Hub and those taking part in the Circle of Light project. These music projects offer young people real-world experiences and qualifications that open doors to further education and career opportunities in the music industry.
Photo credits: Fred Glenister
A key to success has been extensive consultation with young people. We ensured they had meaningful opportunities to shape the programme and involved partners early on, so everyone had a clear understanding of how to deliver qualifications while preserving creative freedom. Experienced educators were brought in to support young mentors and tutors, and time was set aside to trial different approaches, learning what worked and what didn’t. This collaborative partnership, between a Music Hub, a community music project led by young people, and experienced educators has helped engage more young people than ever before.
The young musicians are currently preparing for their performances on World Mental Health Day, October 10, 2024, and the musical output so far has been remarkable.
