A MUSIC studio launched a new ‘Creative Club’ for young people with additional learning needs (ALN).

Supported by funding from Association of Voluntary Organisations in Wrexham (AVOW), Wrexham Sounds will deliver up to 40 weekly sessions over the next year focused on music, craft and movement.

The grant was matched by the not-for-profit organisation, which is encouraging children with ALN to participate in Saturday morning activities at the Rhosrobin facility.

General Manager Olivia Gallagher secured financial backing after being quizzed by a committee of young people from AVOW, a part of Third Sector Support Wales (TSSW), a nationwide network of voluntary councils and organisations.

“It was great to sit down with them and explain what a benefit these activities will have for young people in the Wrexham area, so we are delighted and thankful to have their support,” said Olivia.

“We have received a number of grants from AVOW, the last youth-led grant funded the production of two accredited DJ courses, acoustic treatment and lighting at the studio – so we are very grateful to them.

“We will now move forward with the sessions, which will be with groups of up to six children or young people.

“Our aim is to build confidence and have fun, whether that be through arts and crafts, playing an instrument or singing, there will be lots of different opportunities.

“We look forward to hearing from our partner organisations, from families, schools and anyone who feels the Creative Club will benefit their child – please get in touch to find out more.”

If the first series of events is successful, Wrexham Sounds will look to make them a permanent fixture in its busy calendar.

AVOW’s Voluntary and Community Manager Katherine Prince believes it will have a major impact on young people in the area and said: “Our Young Influencers agreed to fund the Creative Club at Wrexham Sounds out of its youth-led grant funding for this year.

“Wrexham Sounds gave them a chance to take part in a taster session recently and the panel had a fantastic time experiencing what the studio has to offer.

“They were able to see first-hand the benefits of Wrexham Sounds’ activities on young people lives and the community, by using fun and creative ways to engage which in turn improves mental health and development.”

Katherine added: “The panel were delighted that by working in partnership with Wrexham Sounds the session can be made available to those children in Wrexham with additional learning needs for free – we wish them every success over the coming months.”

For more information on the Creative Club or to join the Wrexham Sounds team as a freelancer, visit www.wrexhamsounds.org and follow them on social media at @wrexhamsounds.

Alternatively, call 01978 345245 or email contact@wrexhamsounds.org.

The Wrexham Young Influencers meet every three weeks to develop skills, meet new friends, learn about community groups and assess grant applications. To find out more, email Katherine.prince@avow.org. Visit www.avow.org for the latest news and information from AVOW.

A MUSIC studio for disadvantaged young people is making all the right sounds after beginning the year with a flourish.

Since launching last summer, Wrexham Sounds has made huge progress behind the scenes, forging new partnerships, and securing the services of talented freelance musicians and tutors to deliver lessons and activities across the genres.

Despite the challenges of the pandemic – and being unable to open fully due to Covid-19 safety measures – general manager Olivia Gallagher and directors are striding ahead in readiness for when they can open the doors fully and bring music to the lives of young people across the region.

Personal Skills courses have already taken place with learners from Bryn Tirion Hall School in Caergwrle, and parent and toddler activities were well-received in the autumn.

Freelancers are in place to teach piano, drums, guitar, violin, trumpet, DJ and mixing skills and connections have been made with leading organisations including Focus Wales, The Children’s University, WCD Young Carers and EYST.

The team are also celebrating grant support from AVOW – confirmed over the new year – to deliver free music lessons to NHS front line workers and carers, and from the WCVA Third Sector Relief Fund to enhance the services Wrexham Sounds can deliver to local organisations and families who refer children and young people to it.

So, when it is safe to do so and restrictions are eased, the not-for-profit enterprise can finally build on solid foundations and achieve its vision.

“So much has happened in the last six months, we have had an incredible response from the public, schools, local residents, charity organisations and supporters in the private and public sectors,” said Olivia.

“We are yet to become fully operational due to the pandemic and are under the same pressures faced by all organisations, but we are well placed to start delivering when things begin to open up again.”

She added: “There is a light at the end of the tunnel, and we are all confident when the time is right and it is safe to ‘go live’ the studio will be a hive of activity bringing together children and young people from across North Wales and beyond to experience the amazing opportunities we offer  here, including our brilliant tutors and mentors who will no doubt make a big impact on their lives through music.”

Formerly Vic Studios, the not-for-profit organisation moved from the town’s Hill Street to Rhosrobin, where the building underwent a complete transformation.

As well as children and teenagers who will be referred to Wrexham Sounds via a range of local agencies and educators there will be sessions for pupils unable to access music lessons at school.

For more information or to join the team at Wrexham Sounds as a freelance tutor or volunteer, visit www.wrexhamsounds.org and follow them on social media at @wrexhamsounds.

NOTES: Wrexham Sounds is supported by Wales Council for Voluntary Action, Cable Services Ltd, Pan Stone Europe Ltd, The National Lottery Community Fund, Thomas Howells North Wales Educational Fund, Temperance Hall Trust, Wrexham County Borough Council, Yamaha Music Europe, Arts Council Wales, WCVA Third Sector Resilience Fund, The Moondance Foundation, Blakemore Foundation and AVOW.