Main fundraiser photo

WE NEED A NEW COMMUNITY CENTRE

Please send us your email address once you have made a donation to receive an MP3 copy of our Christmas Song. MEL Productons CIC helps people into work or education through music and language. We have been very successful in what we do but now we need your help. We are seeking new accommodation because our Landlord is developing the existing site and because of that we want to move to similar but larger accommodation near us. And for that we need to raise money.  Please read further to find out about MEL and how you can help INTRODUCTION                                                                                                                                  www.melproductions.co.uk MEL Productions (Music Education Language Productons) CIC  has been providing training to our local community since 2002.  We are always available to offer clients’ information and advice, guidance about opportunities for work, further education and training, providing extra support with literacy and numeracy skills to help them find full or part-time employment or preparing them for further education.  We also provide music activities for children, young people and adults who would like to find work or volunteering opportunities in this field. Those suffering from poor mental health dealing with depression, loneliness and social isolation, we aim to fill any gaps in their education by offering them support with employment opportunities.     We also provide an assertive community support service with our volunteer team members, who meet with clients to provide them with advice and guidance, making their mental health care more manageable when talking about their issues thus reducing the need for them to making regular visits to the hospital. We offer interventions services to young offenders and those exhibiting anti-social behaviour, providing clients with a solid foundation for the future.  We provide practical learning and meet developmental needs for young people and adults with a learning difficulty with structured help and on-going support to help them find worthwhile employment.   OUR MISSION As a Community Interest Company (CIC), which is a not-for-profit organisation, we provide activities and services to benefit the diverse community from all boroughs.  Our mission is to create social and economic change within the community, promoting wellbeing in the lives of people regardless of age, culture and background. We aim to overcome limitations by imparting life-long learning skills and filling knowledge gaps where there is a real need.   Our ethos is to nurture and empower people to make life-changing decisions through our enhanced training delivery service and to help create and to live in a community that fosters harmony and encourages people to make a positive contribution to our local economy.  We aim to embed basic functional skills for marginalised people, and to ease vulnerability for those who are at risk. Engaging in positive educational media and music activities accelerates the realisation of an individual’s full potential as they develop, grow and attain a new level of excellence.   We aim to provide engaging  learning methods to all people regardless of their age or abilities. We will continue to deliver this offer within a fun and enjoyable environment and to take pride in our reputation as an organisation known locally for making a positive and valuable contribution to the community in which we live and work. Our Values: ●      Having a duty of care for our community and a responsibility to deliver it. ●      Promoting diversity and equality.  ●      Increasing community cohesion through social engagement whilst promoting activities that benefit the whole community. ●      Improving economic prospects for the local community. ●      Adapting learning methods for the benefit of the community and sharing best practice with partners and other providers. ●     To help clients gain opportunities such as voluntary work, work placements or an apprenceship leading into full or part time employment that is agreed on an Action Plan before attending any of our programme. Providing information through social media and networking to share best practice on sites like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube.  These platforms provide an environment for employers to share their ideas and develop their resources, brainstorm and collaborate with other organisations within their community.  WHY WE NEED YOUR DONATIONS Our landlord at present is preparing to turn the space that we are using into private accommodation, further reducing our services, which will have a tremendous negative impact on the long-term service users that depend on our support, which we are determined that some services should remain free of charge. At present we are stretched to full capacity. The demand locally for our services means that we are over-subscribed and cannot help everyone who wishes to learn and train at our centre.  The vast majority of our services are provided free of charge and depend on both part-time and voluntary workers, without whom we would be unable to provide a free service.   We would like to take on many more volunteers but in order to help more clients we desperately require additional space.  We hope to purchase a  building which will cater for the vast majority of the community.   This will allow us to remain at the centre of  the community we serve.  We hope to welcome many more young people and adults through our doors, allowing them to gain volunteering opportunities while they learn. With your support we hope to be in a position to extend our offer at the earliest opportunity. Since we established ourselves at the heart of our community nearly 16 years ago we have seen dramatically improved outcomes. People’s confidence and wellbeing have increased, social interaction between clients has strengthened community cohesion, and many more local people have been able to avail themselves of employment opportunities after gaining their first formally recognised qualifications. Others have followed their dream of entering higher education. In addition to providing music activities and training we are a valuable resource for the local community, which rents out some of the facilities we offer, (including our recording studio and rehearsal space).   Your donation will offer us extra support to fund our planned expansion to a more beneficial location, where we will be able to continue the activities that will not deprive the community from gaining access to local services.  WHAT YOUR GENEROSITY WILL MEAN TO US AND OUR COMMUNITY Your donation will help us to sustain our services and we will also give a reduced rate for the use of our facilities to people for their generosity.  We will be able to ensure that more children, young people and adults from the UK's 4th most socially diverse borough will be able to come together and share life experiences with their peers whilst taking part in various activities. Often people come to us suffering from low self-esteem, poor mental health, depression, loneliness,  isolation and the lack of qualifications and education.  Their time with us is often nothing less than transformational. They receive training, gain qualifications, learn life skills, find employment (often for the first time) and make friends with other people facing similarly challenging circumstances. They are able to express themselves and to experience real joy through, learning new skills together in a friendly and welcoming environment. The turnaround in their expectations and outcomes is remarkable, and something that children, young people, adults and their friends and family testify to, time and again.  WHAT WE DO TO SUPPORT THE COMMUNITY                                                                       www.melproductions.co.uk OCN (OPEN COLLEGE NETWORK) QUALIFICATIONS/ CERTIFICATES  Our training Centre provides certified in-house trainers, ensuring that we can provide first class support for our courses, every one of which is tailor-made to fit the individuals’ needs. Our Course Leaders continually work towards OCN Certified level, which, when combined with many years of experience in our field assures people they will always receive the best possible training. Our clients are supported throughout to ensure they achieve their desired outcomes.  This approach also means that any difficulties can be quickly identified and the correct support given.    LONLINESS AND ISOLATION                                                                                                        www.melproductions.co.uk Nobody should face loneliness at any age. We believe that more can be done to support those vulnerable to the debilitating effects of loneliness. People who are most at risk lack the support of family and friends, and are least likely to have access to information that can provide support.   People of all ages need to feel connected, to family and community.   At MEL they can rely on the support of our extensive network of volunteers to help with their emotional and practical needs. We have been inspired to work alongside those campaigning to end loneliness among the estimated 1.2 m Britons who say they are affected. At our centre people can work together to combat loneliness and isolation through the services we provide and the policies we have in place to meet the demands of the community.  We want to ensure that loneliness is treated as a public health priority at local and national levels. Together we can tackle loneliness and isolation in older age. What we do: We believe that nobody should experience loneliness and those seeking companionship should not be without it. We want to make this happen by ensuring that: ●      People most at risk of loneliness are offered support and guidance. ●      Services are more effective in addressing loneliness and isolation by creating greater opportunities for community engagement. ●      More services and activities are developed to support loneliness in all its forms. We continue to support other organisations to alleviate loneliness and work with them to learn from each other and share best practices.  MENTAL HEALTH/DEPRESSION Many people living in the UK will experience a mental health problem associated with anxiety and depression at some time during their lives. Incidents of self-harm are on the rise and suicide rates have increased in recent years. People with mental health issues are supported at MEL through one-to-one counselling sessions and group interventions. We listen to their problems, ask questions about how they are feeling and listen to their answers and we try to provide them with the right advice and guidance. Listening to them does not mean we have to say much back to them.  Sometimes they may find it helpful to just talk to us about their problems, and to know that we are there to listen. That is why music therapy is a valuable source in supporting the recovery from a mental illness. It can stimulate emotional feelings and responses that help people to be more creative and expressive. They have an opportunity to learn technical, social and vocational skills, improve expression, communication, confidence and self-esteem, and facilitate positive changes in behaviour and wellbeing. Our friendly approach welcome people to engage in an environment that allows them to collaborate with the peers in relevant music activities and genres.  We aim to have a positive impact on the health and wellbeing of people by helping them create a new life for themselves, finding opportunities such as voluntary work or work experience which will reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety and increase social engagement. We are also recognised for our work around improving outcomes through using music therapy as a channel to engage young people and adults in other forms of activities to improve on their skills.  Some people who are using specialist mental health services in the community can still attend our centre for extra support. Our group music sessions run on a weekly basis at our centre led by qualified Music Leaders, followed by other activities, designed to support people to use music therapy to help them find various ways in dealing with their depression.  Our approach helps them to get a better understanding when they are not able to articulate difficult feelings. We use various techniques to connect with them in an improvised dialogue, which can act as a springboard to emotional awareness. Techniques involve using music created by clients in collaboration with their peers, which helps with the relaxation process, where they can reflect, be guided, reminisce, which helps the change of their mood.  We conduct and collect a systematic data review to find out whether music therapy has had an effect in reducing the symptoms of depression and this helps them to look forward to seeing a change in their circumstances.  OUTREACH WORK IN SCHOOLS We expect that some young people will go to college, university, apprenticeship and training or attend work experience. But it can be all too easy for students to assume that university is the only option, when in fact students should have other opportunities that can also offer them options, which could set them up for long-term employment. In order to deliver outreach work on career advice services to young people, it is important for us to understand what types of activities the students have participated in and what destination they whish to go onto. This information helps us to be in a better position to understand what types of activities and interventions are effective for young people where we can then make improved decisions about how to run the career advice programmes. Here below is a list of schools where we have run career advice and guidance programmes.  We would like to expand this service where more schools can have access to our service.   VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES AND WORK EXPERIENCE Central to our success is a pool of trained volunteers, happy to donate their expertise to the good of the community in which they live and work. Many have previously studied or trained with us and are keen to pass on new skills to others. Some are long-standing professionals in their own field who are anxious that others should have access to the same level of professionalism that they themselves enjoyed. All give their services for free and remain a key element in our continued success. As a not-for-profit Community Interest Company (CIC) we believe it is important that as many members of our community take part in our activities as possible. Volunteering presents local people with an opportunity to be at the heart of what we do.  Our Board Members play an important role as they help with the running of the service and implement new methods where our volunteers and other clients can gain all the benefits of the services as the organisation develops.  LONG TERM UNEMPLOYED:                                                                                                  www.melproductions.co.uk Many people today suffer with depression, often arising from an inability to cope in a harsh economic climate, without qualifications or meaningful employment. The struggle to make ends meet is something we have all experienced at one time or another but can be much harder to cope with when you are feeling lonely, isolated, or disadvantaged by a learning difficulty or even a spent conviction. Stigmatisation and isolation can combine to prevent those who would benefit from professional advice and support from seeking it. These are the people MEL reaches out to.  We have worked with several large organisations and training providers and have a wealth of experience in dealing with training and recruitment issues, together with a comprehensive knowledge of the local job market and the potential opportunities available to the clients at our centre. Our contacts with employers and local recruitment agencies means we are in a strong position to advise our clients on finding the right job for them. This includes CV writing and interview techniques.  We know what potential local employers are looking for when matching the right candidates with the right vacancies. We understand that the employment market changes at a fast past and people can easily be left behind. We know too that working is a proven essential for sound mental health and wellbeing. It helps people build stronger family relationships and strengthens communities. Our mission is to make sure people have the right skills, support and behaviours to find jobs, gain independence and become productive employees and members of society. We encourage all our clients to work in an environment they are comfortable with. ●      We encourage clients to work at a pace that suits them, under the supervision of our experienced Course Leaders who are on hand to offer any assistance the client needs. ●      We create an atmosphere within our centres that is relaxed and welcoming. ●      Clients choose their own hours of study - working to a schedule that best suits them and fits in around other responsibilities, such caring for a  family member.   Once clients have successfully completed their training they get to take home our excellent reference books and training materials. ●      After successfully completing their final assignments, clients receive on-going support, even after finding employment. Once our clients’ enrol on a course, their skills increase from day one. As they progress through the course content, they quickly acquire most of the skills that they will need for the job that they want. Clients are shown how to link what they have learned in training to the job they want at interview. This approach enables the employer to see how clients will add value to their business from day one.  LEARNING DIFFICULTIES People with a learning difficulty often lack formal qualifications and work experience. It is important to us to understand that every case is unique. A person with a learning difficulty may suffer from varying degrees of illiteracy. An inability to read and write at a functional level can lead to emotional distress, frustration and poor self-esteem, resulting in individuals becoming withdrawn or developing more serious behavioural issues. An individual’s coordination difficulties can negatively affect participation and functional everyday skills required in education, work and employment. We manage learning that is undertaken in a friendly environment which means that our Course Leaders can offer individuals’ assistance whenever and wherever it is needed, ensuring that trainees can overcome any difficulties they may encounter. We have many years experience in supporting people with learning difficulties and have gained an enviable reputation that we work extremely hard to maintain. Whether our clients are individuals or work in a group, we ensure that they receive full support throughout the duration of their training. Through our activities, we are able to assess individual needs and to offer additional support, or referral to a different provider where beneficial. We offer people with a learning difficulty the opportunity to build their confidence by receiving the highest quality training leading to a formally recognised qualification.  For clients wishing to continue their education, we offer access to the Open College Network (OCN) whose formal qualifications pave the way for entry into college or university.  YOUNG OFFENDERS/ANTI SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR: Website Address: www.melproductions.co.uk There is widespread offending and anti-social behavior by young people from disadvantaged backgrounds. More than a quarter of children and young people that have been in care have self-harmed, attempted suicide or suffered bereavement, losing either a parent or sibling. More than half grew up in deprivation and a similar proportion had run away from home at some point. Up to 75% of the young people we help had absent fathers, while a third grew up in a home without a maternal presence. We work with individuals who have direct experience of the criminal justice system as well as those at risk of re-offending. We work in partnership with specialist organisations to provide opportunities for these individuals to re-integrate into the community through effective rehabilitation.  We provide risk assessments, deliver one to one rehabilitation programmes, offer support with education, employment and training as well as providing information, advice and guidance to service users. We aim to achieve this by: ●      Casework ●      Partnership networking ●      Up-skilling clients and empowering them through education / employment based activities linking research to good practice. ●      Providing a platform to share information. ●      Sharing expertise, knowledge and experience with partnership agencies and the wider community ●      We offer bespoke community intervention programmes to offenders to enable them to lead a productive and crime free life. ●      We intervene where appropriate to prevent further incidences of offending. The rehabilitation initiatives we offer present a viable alternative to those at risk of further offending. ●      We assist offenders to comply with the conditions of any court orders through professional supervision by Probation Officers and / or other qualified staff. ●      We provide services and support to young and adult offenders leaving custodial care in order to enable successful and reintegration into the community. ●      We work with experts to provide successful exit strategies to gang members, including the implementation of risk-reduction plans. Our success in supporting offenders is attributable to our expertise and commitment to tackling at source the issues that often lead to offending.  Our invaluable experience and expertise in offender management places us in a strong position to consult on a wide range of issues related to offending behaviour.  We are thus able to engage in the community management of risk by the most prolific offenders.  We work with statutory agencies, employers, local authorities and voluntary / charitable organisations to rehabilitate offenders.  Our aims: We aim to connect ‘hard to reach’ groups to networks that offer information, resources and professional expertise that directly address the issues underlying offending behaviour.  We aim to increase understanding of offending behaviour through research and the dissemination of information about contributing issues and risk factors.  We believe that investment in expertise and information-sharing can produce positive long-term outcomes for marginalised groups. Mission Statement regarding the treatment of young offenders. We are in the business of ‘transforming lives’ and work within the new framework of ‘Transforming Rehabilitation’. Our mission is to reduce re-offending by challenging offenders’ behaviour and providing our clients with the skills and resources required to become productive citizens. Restrictive intervention ●      We carry out home visit to offenders who are instructed by the court to reside at a specific address and carry out home suitability assessments for Home Detentions Curfews (HDC). Protective/Rehabilitative interventions ●      Our experts guide those at risk of offending in a new direction through education, training and work. ●      We connect individuals to pro-social networks that provide practical and emotional support. ●      We mediate where necessary to enable offenders to rebuild relationships with their families and their community. ●      We promote participation in community and leisure activities as a diversion from offending. ●      Our case workers provide one-to-one support to address the issues underlying offending behaviour. ●      We provide expert mentoring. ●      We provide life-skills coaching. ●      We aim to enhance the social capital and expand the social networks of ex-offenders. MUSIC ACTIVITIES We help to make clients’ goals a reality and offer high-quality, production-based music training. We seek to help them develop their creative, critical and cultural awareness as well as their practical music skills. We work with people from a variety of backgrounds and cover a wide range of music genres. Our aim is to help and encourage people to become more independent and focused as they pursue a career in the music business, whether in the ‘studio’ or performing on stage. We have a wide range of contacts within the music industry and aim to provide work placements for all young people and adults. Resources include recording studios and vital record company contacts with whom we work with to provide young people work experience or apprenticeship leading into full time/part-time work or finding other employement opportunities to support and sustain their musical insterest.  We are in regular contact with employers who are looking for trainees and where necessary will contact them on behalf of our young people and adults. We discuss individual needs before tailoring a music package unique to them. Children, young people and adults have the opportunity to receive  one-to-one or group sessions with their Music Leader and Support Worker, who offers advice and helps them to run their own project. Young people set-up their own production company under the auspices of the experts here at our centre and work alongside those experts learning the ins and outs of the music industry.  MEL offers a unique programme structured around a practical understanding of the music industry. Young people manage and run the service, gaining first-hand work experience on how it feels to work in the real world, making creative choices, setting and meeting challenges and sharing skills, achievements and of course, music.  Our training fills the gap identified by young people and music professionals for a relevant vocational qualification in this sector (at OCN Levels 1, 2 and 3) fostering creative communication and leadership skills, and preparing young people for further education and employment. We would like to thank you for taking the time to read our proposal. If you are considering a donation and would like to receive any additional information please visit our website; www.melproductions.co.uk where you will find our relevant contact details.  COMMENTS FROM SOME OF THE YOUNG PEOPLE: "I always look forward to coming to MEL Productions.  I have learnt so much being on this activity and have met lots of wonderful people and I have had the opportunity to record with them.  Whilst we were recording, I had so, so much fun and I am looking forward to recording again soon.  My bass playing technique have improved and I seem to work a lot harder in a group environment were everyone gets a chance to work with each other."  COMMENTS FROM SOME OF THE YOUNG PEOPLE: "I do struggle with social anxiety and depression but I feel that I am able to get by since coming to MEL Productions.  Since joining them  I have gained more confidence and feel a lot more motivated.  I managed to put a band together and since we've been practicing together, they have given me lots of support.  We are looking forward to putting an EP together and am hoping to get some air play.  We are also planning on doing some performance gigs - I can't wait and feel very priviledge."  Here are some children and young people having fun using some music software and being very creative while learning.   After Producing their song they get the chance to share their ideas with each other, gain new skills and build stronger relationships as they engage in the activities.   After completing the songs, they also get the chance to perform their songs in front of family and friends which increases community cohesion.

Organizer and beneficiary

Michael Francis
Organizer
Michael Francis
Beneficiary

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