Past Initiatives
WE ARE
COMMUNITY…
Over the past 14 years, Soul and Sound have delivered community projects that have made a positive impact on countless young people and families. Our evaluations show that over 85% of our participants experience significant improvements in their mental, physical, and nutritional well-being after taking part in our initiatives.
By co-creating most of our projects with our beneficiaries, we have fostered skill development that has opened up new employment opportunities and empowered many to become entrepreneurs. Explore some of our transformative projects below!
The last 14 Years…
@Home with…
The Family Music Experience
The Library Sessions
Lissen Up
Sound
MUSIC MASTERCLASS WITH
ORPHY ROBINSON
Online Self Development
GROW, EAT & LEARN!
The Plant Based Cooking Experience
Summer Project
The Young Experience
MIND
OVER
MATTER
Coaching Programme
SOUL
Mushroom Wellbeing Enterprise Programme
The SOUL Garden
Self Development Programme
The Biodiversity Programme
WE ARE COMMUNITY…
Over the past 14 years, Soul and Sound have delivered community projects that have made a positive impact on countless young people and families. Our evaluations show that over 85% of our participants experience significant improvements in their mental, physical, and nutritional well-being after taking part in our initiatives.
By co-creating most of our projects with our beneficiaries, we have fostered skill development that has opened up new employment opportunities and empowered many to become entrepreneurs. Explore some of our transformative projects below!
The last 14 Years…
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The Mushroom Wellbeing & Enterprise Programme is an innovative initiative that combines education, sustainability, and personal development. This AQA Accredited Mushroom Growing course, led by renowned Mycologist Darren Springer, offers a unique learning experience for vulnerable young people and adults.
Programme Overview
The course focuses on the cultivation of mushrooms, which are not only sustainable but also play a crucial role in soil enrichment. Participants learn about the entire process of growing these nutritious fungi, gaining valuable insights into sustainable food production.
Key Features
Expert-led instruction: Darren Springer's extensive knowledge and passion for mycology ensure an engaging and informative learning experience.
Sustainability focus: The programme emphasizes the eco-friendly aspects of mushroom cultivation, including their ability to thrive on waste materials.
Life skills development: Participants acquire valuable skills that extend beyond mushroom growing, fostering personal growth and confidence.
Career exploration: The course provides insight into potential careers in Mycology and Mushroom Cultivation.
Programme Benefits
Empowerment: School children, vulnerable youth, and adult learners gain knowledge and tools for personal development.
Healthy food relationships: Participants develop a better understanding of nutrition and sustainable food production.
Entrepreneurial skills: The programme nurtures business acumen alongside cultivation techniques.
Accredited qualification: Upon completion, participants earn a respected AQA qualification.
Future Opportunities
Graduates of the programme are guided towards additional training opportunities in Mycology and Food Growing, with support from Soul & Sound and its partner organisations. This creates a supportive network for continued learning and career development.The Mushroom Wellbeing & Enterprise Programme exemplifies how education in natural sciences can be a powerful catalyst for personal growth, sustainable living, and career development.
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Health Mind
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Experience Day… Past Project
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The Family Music Experience is an innovative, culturally rich programme designed to engage both children and their parents in a musical journey that enhances literacy, creativity, and cultural awareness.
Programme Overview
Funded by Awards for All/Big Lottery Fund, this 10-week initiative offers two weekly workshops, totaling 20 sessions. The programme is tailored for children aged 5-11 and their parents, providing a unique opportunity for families to learn and grow together through music.
Key Features
Cultural Diversity: Families explore various music styles including African, Caribbean, Asian, and European.
Literacy Enhancement: The programme combines rhythmic reading, writing, and literacy techniques with musical learning.
Parental Involvement: Parents are encouraged to share their musical skills, fostering a collaborative learning environment.
Educational Benefits
Literacy Skills Development
Rhythm and Reading: Utilizes rhythm, words, tempo, and melody to enhance reading skills.
Listening Techniques: Improves communication and literacy through focused listening exercises.
Print-Speech Connection: Demonstrates the relationship between written and spoken language.
Physical and Cognitive Growth
Motor Skills: Enhances motor development and coordination through instrument play and dance.
Creative Thinking: Encourages holistic and creative thinking processes.
Multifaceted Learning Approach
Storytelling and Drama: Incorporates creative activities to further develop reading and writing abilities.
Value-Based Learning: Promotes qualities such as integrity, teamwork, leadership, and creativity.
Programme Structure
Each weekly session is carefully crafted to include:
Exploration of diverse musical styles
Hands-on experience with various instruments
Integration of storytelling and dramatic elements
Collaborative activities for parents and children
The Family Music Experience offers a holistic approach to learning, using music as a powerful tool to enhance literacy, cultural understanding, and family bonding. This programme not only develops musical skills but also fosters essential life skills and values in a fun, engaging environment.
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Lissen Up is an innovative, youth-driven online music platform that provides a unique blend of skill development, industry exposure, and accredited learning for young people interested in Hip Hop music production and video content creation.
Programme Overview
Duration: 12 weeks
Participants: 15 NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) young people from East London
Focus: Hip Hop music producers
Key Features
Youth-Led Development: The programme was conceptualized and executed by the participants
AQA Accreditation: Weekly workshops leading to a qualification in video production
Hands-On Experience: Participants managed all aspects of content creation
Industry Access: Opportunity to interview high-profile music producers
Programme Structure
Video Production Workshops
AQA accredited weekly sessions
Training in filming, editing, and directing content
Project Management
Sourcing music producers for interviews
Securing venues and locations
Managing time schedules
Professional Collaboration
Working alongside experienced videographers
Developing content under expert guidance
Industry Exposure
Interviewing music producers who have worked with global artists such as Jay-Z, Beyonce, Kanye West, and Giggs
Benefits
Skill Development: Participants gain practical skills in video production and project management
Accredited Learning: AQA qualification in video production
Networking Opportunities: Direct interaction with successful music industry professionals
Portfolio Building: Creation of professional-quality content for personal showreels
Career Insights: Exposure to various roles within the music and video production industries
Lissen Up exemplifies an effective approach to engaging NEET youth through their passion for music and media. By combining practical skill development, accredited learning, and real-world industry exposure, the programme not only nurtures creative talents but also provides valuable qualifications and career insights. This youth-led initiative demonstrates the power of aligning education with participants' interests and industry trends.
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@Home with... is an innovative, youth-driven arts programme that combines creative development, mentorship, and accredited learning for young people in east London.
Programme Overview
Duration: 18 weeks total, with 12 weeks of accredited content
Participants: 42 young people aged 16-18, classified as NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training)
Location: East London
Key Features
Youth-Led Development: The programme was conceptualized and developed by the participants themselves, ensuring relevance and engagement
One-to-One Mentorship: Each participant receives personalized guidance and support
AQA Accreditation: 36 workshops accredited by AQA, providing recognized qualifications
Dual Focus: Combines creative arts with business industry skills
Programme Structure
Creative Arts Workshops
Hands-on experience in various artistic disciplines
Opportunity to explore and develop individual creative talents
Business Industry Workshops
Introduction to practical business skills relevant to the creative sector
Preparation for potential careers in the arts industry
Mentorship
Personalized guidance from experienced professionals
Support for both artistic development and career planning
Benefits
Skill Development: Participants gain both creative and business skills
Accredited Learning: AQA accreditation provides recognized qualifications
Career Pathways: Exposure to potential career options in the creative industries
Personal Growth: One-to-one mentorship supports individual development
Community Engagement: Brings together NEET youth in a supportive, creative environment
@Home with... exemplifies an effective approach to engaging NEET youth through the arts. By combining creative expression with practical business skills and personalized mentorship, the programme not only nurtures artistic talents but also provides valuable qualifications and career insights. This youth-led initiative demonstrates the power of giving young people agency in their own learning and development.
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The Biodiversity Programme is a community-driven initiative that has blossomed into a cherished local activity, fostering environmental awareness and community bonds in the Aldriche Way Estate.
Project Origins
Partnership: Collaboration between Earth Tone Arts and the TRLA (Tenants and Residents Association)
Initial Funding: Provided by Waltham Forest Council
Original Scope: Three sessions in August 2017 to increase biodiversity on the Aldriche Way Estate
Evolution into Gardening Club
What began as a short-term project has organically grown into a regular Sunday activity for local families. This transformation demonstrates the community's enthusiasm and commitment to biodiversity and gardening.
Key Features
Regular Meetings: Weekly Sunday gatherings
Intergenerational Participation: Engages both children and adults
Focus on Biodiversity: Enhances local flora and fauna
Community Building: Strengthens neighborhood ties
Impact
Stuart Robinson, local resident and TRLA chairman, highlights the programme's success:"The kids have really taken to gardening and wildlife and it's become a truly inter-generational affair."This statement underscores the project's achievements:
Youth Engagement: Cultivating interest in nature among children
Intergenerational Bonding: Bringing different age groups together
Environmental Education: Practical learning about biodiversity and gardening
The Biodiversity Programme exemplifies how a small-scale environmental initiative can evolve into a sustained community effort, promoting ecological awareness, social cohesion, and hands-on learning experiences for all ages. It serves as a model for how local councils and community organizations can collaborate to create lasting, positive change in urban environments.
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The Soul Garden is an innovative, community-focused project that combines sustainable agriculture, entrepreneurship, and wellness to empower homeless families in East London.
Project Overview
In partnership with East Thames' Barking Foyer, this 24-week initiative transformed a rooftop area into a thriving garden. The project delivered 48 workshops centered on organic food growing, food enterprise, and health & wellbeing.
Key Features
Duration: 24 weeks of intensive, hands-on learning
Location: Rooftop of East Thames' Barking Foyer in East London
Target Audience: Homeless families
Workshop Frequency: 48 sessions, averaging two per week
Programme Components
Sustainable Organic Food Growing
Participants learn techniques for cultivating organic produce in urban settings
Hands-on experience in creating and maintaining a rooftop garden
Food Enterprise
Training in basic business skills related to food production
Exploration of potential entrepreneurial opportunities in urban agriculture
Health & Wellbeing
Education on nutrition and the benefits of organic, locally-grown food
Promotion of physical and mental wellbeing through gardening activities
Benefits
Skill Development: Participants gain practical skills in gardening and basic entrepreneurship
Community Building: Fosters a sense of community among homeless families
Environmental Impact: Promotes sustainable urban agriculture practices
Empowerment: Provides homeless families with tools for potential self-sufficiency
Urban Space Utilization: Demonstrates innovative use of urban rooftop spaces
The Soul Garden project exemplifies how urban agriculture can be a powerful tool for social change, offering homeless families not just food security but also valuable skills, improved wellbeing, and potential pathways to economic independence. By transforming unused urban spaces into productive gardens, the project creates a green oasis that nourishes both body and soul.
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The Young London Experience is an innovative, multi-generational arts programme that celebrates the rich cultural diversity of Barking and Dagenham while providing valuable mentorship and creative opportunities for young artists.
Programme Overview
Funded by the Arts Council, this participatory arts initiative commemorates Barking and Dagenham's 50th anniversary through the medium of Street Art. The programme creates a unique chain of mentorship, connecting established artists with aspiring young talents and, in turn, younger students.
Key Features
Intergenerational Mentorship: Established London-based Street Artists mentor aspiring artists aged 16-24, who then mentor younger participants aged 11-16.
Focus on NEET Youth: Provides opportunities for young people Not in Education, Employment, or Training.
Cultural Celebration: Highlights Barking and Dagenham's historic cultural youth diversity.
Programme Structure
Participant Tiers
Established Artists: Eleven experienced London-based Street Artists
Aspiring Artists: Young people aged 16-24 classified as NEET
Young Mentees: Eleven participants aged 11-16
Activities
Dynamic series of workshops
Creative activities focused on Street Art
Production of a two-week exhibition
Benefits
Skill Development: Participants gain hands-on experience in Street Art techniques.
Professional Exposure: Aspiring artists work closely with established professionals.
Community Engagement: The programme celebrates local culture and history.
Career Pathways: Provides valuable experience for NEET youth, potentially opening doors to future opportunities.
Artistic Showcase: Culminates in a public exhibition, giving participants a platform to display their work.
The Young London Experience exemplifies the power of art to bridge generational gaps, celebrate cultural heritage, and provide meaningful opportunities for young people. By fostering creativity and mentorship, this programme not only develops artistic skills but also builds confidence and creates a sense of community among participants of all ages.
“Being part of the project has helped me become someone I never thought I would become! I want to thank Soul and Sound for their support and showing me there is so much more to life than than the streets, I now have started my journey into becoming a videographer! ”
“I am so glad my daughter found Soul and Sound, since she started working with them her outlook on life has been more positive, especially during the pandemic”
Jus Jammin x Healthy Mind Healthy Grind
Through our "Healthy Mind, Healthy Grind" programme, Soul and Sound CIC has been successfully delivering plant-based cooking and personal development workshops across East London. Our mission is to empower young people and families with the knowledge of how to eat healthily on a budget.
The proceeds and donations from our "Jus Jammin" live music nights will help Soul and Sound CIC become more sustainable, reducing our reliance on government funding to continue providing essential education and skills training to young people and families across London and the UK. For more information about Jus Jammin, please visit our events page.
During this time of inflation and the cost-of-living crisis, our workshops have been educating and upskilling individuals and families on the importance of bulk cooking, behaviour habits around snacking and replacing unhealthy ‘go to’ snacks for much healthier alternatives.
in 2019/20, the percentage of children aged 10 to 11 who were overweight was 35.2%, also increasing from 2014/15 (33.2%)
in the 4 to 5 age group, almost a third (29.8%) of Black African children were overweight or living with obesity in 2019/20, the highest proportion of any ethnic group
in the 10 to 11 age group, almost half (46.2%) of Black African children were overweight, also the highest proportion of any ethnic group
Help us help the community!!!
For more information on our Healthy Mind Healthy Grind Programme please visit our Health and Wellbeing page.
Mushroom Wellbeing & Enterprise Programme
Mushrooms, a fascinating form of life, are among the most sustainable foods one can grow. They not only thrive in waste material but also function as a natural way to enrich the soil, adding essential nutrients. Soul & Sound offers an AQA Accredited Mushroom Growing course. This course is led by the renowned Mycologist, Darren Springer, whose vast knowledge and passion for the subject provide an engaging learning experience. The course is designed specifically to give vulnerable young people and adults the opportunity to learn about the process of cultivating this sustainable and highly nutritious food.
The overarching aim of this programme is to empower school children, vulnerable youth and adult learners by equipping them with the tools and knowledge to develop valuable life skills. Furthermore, it provides an insight into the potential of pursuing careers in the fascinating world of Mycology and Mushroom Cultivation. The project fosters a healthy relationship with food, promoting good eating habits while simultaneously building valuable life skills and entrepreneurial capabilities. It's a testament to the belief that learning about the natural world and our relationship with it can be a powerful tool for personal development and growth.
Upon course completion, participants will not only have gained a wealth of knowledge but they will also earn a respected qualification. This recognition of their hard work and dedication will undoubtedly boost their confidence and open doors to explore alternative careers or further education options. Participants will be guided towards additional training opportunities in the fields of Mycology or Food Growing. These opportunities are abundant within Soul & Sound and its partner organisations, fostering a supportive network for the participants to thrive in.
Darren Springer, our Project Manager and Founder of the Mushroom Academy, has an extensive 20 year background in education and community initiatives. Working with organisations such as We Are Grow, LUSH, Organiclea and Somerset House. He continues to design workshops and projects with the goal of educating and empowering individuals from various backgrounds. These initiatives help them tackle social challenges, contribute to community development, and pursue self-improvement in a culturally-aware, innovative, and creative manner.
Additionally, Darren is a horticultural and food enterprise tutor, specialising in mushroom cultivation. He has pioneered the UK's first AQA accredited Mushroom Cultivation course. This program offers school children and at-risk youth the chance to engage in practical courses on sustainable mushroom cultivation. Through these courses, they can achieve an entry-level, Level 1 or 2 qualification in Mycology.
Self Development Programme
Healthy Mind healthy Grind was a Self Development 6-week (12 weeks in total) programme for up to 20 (two cohorts) unemployed and underemployed black young people aged 18-30 in Waltham Forest from disadvantaged backgrounds. After successfully accessing Awards4All funding in 2020 to pilot our Mind Over Matter programme, through evaluation we established that beneficiaries would benefit greatly from an increasingly holistic, wellbeing based programme and 'Health Mind Healthy Grind' was co-designed with them.
Through a series of 6 weekly workshops, led by experts, beneficiaries built confidence and skills in cooking, nutrition and physical exercise. Attendees crucially accessed an accountability group that offered the peer network and space to explore setting and evaluating goals, peer to peer support and created social ties on their new pursuit of wellbeing and boosted their confidence to speak up about the importance of health and wellbeing within their communities. The programme empowered participants to feel that they deserve to invest in their health and wellbeing, and that it positively impacted other areas of their personal, social and professional lives.
PLANT BASED COOKING WORKSHOPS
Plant Based Cooking Workshops are a series of cooking workshops where parents and their children learned how to cook plant based meals on a budget and learn about the nutritional values of each meal.
Participants work closely with a cookery teacher / personal development coach to learn how to cook succulent plant-based meals on a small budget. Not only will they learn new or improve their cooking skills, but they will understand the importance of the ingredients they put in their food and the nutrition benefits and health hazards around consuming fast food.
We educate young people and families around the the importance of gut health and the connection between the gut and brain. We are currently working with the council and the NHS as we are facilitating our workshops as part of the social prescribing initiative during the cost of living crisis and tackling obesity in the borough.
We are working in schools and community centres across the borough and look to expand across London and the UK.
Check out the Healthy Mind Healthy Grind Website for more Information https://www.healthymindhealthygrind.com
MUSIC MASTERCLASS WITH ORPHY ROBINSON
Music students had the opportunity to have a personal, intimate musical masterclass from Jazz Legend Orphy Robinson. The students had the opportunity to learn vital musical techniques and hear industry stories from the musical great and also create an amazing piece of music together with Orphy and mixed and mastered by Aaron Mayers. In partnership with Serious and Barking and Dagenham College, Soul and Sound facilitated a day long workshop for students, during the week of The London Jazz Festival 2021, who looked to ‘raise the bar’ musically and creatively.
THE LIBRARY SESSIONS
The Library Sessions is an online musical platform for up and coming talent from Barking and Dagenham as well as from across London and the UK. Within the sessions, singers, instrumentalists and spoken word artists will have the opportunity to perform their music at Barking and Dagenham College’s new Idris Elba Film Studio.
Soul and Sound are working together with a team of students from Barking and Dagenham College, who will take full control of key areas of production: set design, sound and lighting, filming, editing, social media, marketing and outreach giving them more of a hands-on experience in the world of media production. Mix and mastering professional Aaron Mayers also worked alongside the students to make sure they produced high quality work. The sessions will be released weekly via Soul and Sound’s youtube channel and shared with industry professionals allowing undiscovered acts to be seen.
The Library Sessions are also a part of the Becontree Forever programme led by LBBD (London Borough of Barking and Dagenham) to celebrate the Becontree Estate’s groundbreaking and radical beginnings and reimagine its future.
Online Self Development Programme
Healthy Mind Healthy Grind is an eight-week health, wellness and cooking programme providing self-development and motivational sessions.
Taking place online, the programme will engage individuals who are interested in shaping new health and wellness goals but currently face a multitude of personal, mental and physical challenges, as well as limited access to professional networks and business opportunities.
Soul and Sound is interested in working with young men and women aged 16-30 in Barking and Dagenham who are BAME, from disadvantaged backgrounds or working precarious zero-hour contracts.
Learning key facts around nutrition and working closely with a Vegan Chef over the course of eight sessions, the programme will cover topics including the importance of sustaining a clean diet, cooking healthy meals on a budget, exploring ways to implement a new healthy lifestyle and empowering participants to start realising their full potential.
New approaches to wellbeing will be explored through these sessions which prioritise mental and physical health in relation to career success. Participants will be able to take part in weekly challenges and also keep a diary to document their progress.
Plant Based Cooking Experience - Summer Project
We delivered a plant based cooking experience for young people (6-12) taking part of the holiday programme at Company Drinks in Barking and Dagenham.
The young people were immersed in a series of daily workshops in which we provided hot meals that were beneficial for their overall health and wellbeing.
GROW, EAT & LEARN!
Grow, Eat & Learn was an amazing horticultural experience for the young people on the Blak Outside Project. Soul and Sound were commissioned to work with Create London and Blak Outside to create amazing plant based Caribbean infused recipes with the organic food the young have been growing in the kitchen garden.
Mind Over Matter Coaching Programme
Mind Over Matter is a new online 12-week programme for up to 20 young men 18-30 who are BAME (primarily black men) from disadvantaged backgrounds and are currently NEET or working precarious zero-hour contracts. The participants will have a desire to become an entrepreneur, but face a multitude of personal, mental and physical challenges that inhibit their progress e.g. low self-worth, low confidence, low aspiration/motivation, limited business know-how and limited access to professional networks/opportunities. They will work closely with a qualified Life Coach and Mentor / Motivational Speaker.
@ Home With...The Community
This was a 12 week accredited arts programme (18 weeks total) developed by a group of 57 young people living in East London.
The programme provided a unique creative development experience for the aspiring local artists aged 16-18 that are classified as NEET. The participants were mentored one-to-one and immersed in a series of 36 AQA accredited creative arts and business industry workshops and also the importance of health and wellbeing.
This was a real hands-on experience for those involved and culminated in an online music showcase and a virtual art exhibition celebrating the talent and achievements of our community during these unprecedented times.
Soul Garden is back!
We delivered a series of 48 gardening workshops over 12 weeks that focused on gardening for fun, community food growing and health & well-being. Residents at the Barking Foyer had access to 2 weekly AQA accredited workshop sessions that helped them to develop their practical horticultural skills, and also supported them to live a more healthier and productive life.
Lissen Up
An online music platform that solely focused on Hip Hop music producers. The programme was developed by a group of 15 NEET young people living in East London over 12 weeks.
Weekly AQA accredited workshops gave them the opportunity to film, edit and direct their own content and also earn a qualification in video production.
Participants sourced the music producers, venues and locations, managed time schedules and also worked alongside experienced videographers to help develop the content.
The young people had the opportunity to interview music producers who have produced for Jay-Z, Beyonce, Kanye West, Giggs plus much more.
@ Home With…
Mica Paris
This was a 12 week accredited arts programme (18 weeks total) developed by a group of 36 young people living in East London.
The programme provided a unique creative development experience for the aspiring local artists aged 16-18 that are classified as NEET.
The participants were mentored one-to-one and immersed in a series of 36 AQA accredited creative arts and business industry workshops.
This was a real hands on experience for those involved and culminated in a music showcase and a pop up art exhibition celebrating the legacy of Queen of UK Soul Mica Paris.
@ Home With…
The Road to Manhood
This was a 12 week accredited arts programme (18 weeks total) developed by a group of 42 young people living in east London.
The programme provided a unique creative development experience for the aspiring local artists aged 16-18 that are classified as NEET.
The participants were mentored one-to-one and immersed in a series of 36 AQA accredited creative arts and business industry workshops.
This was a real hands on experience for those involved and culminated in a music showcase and a pop up art exhibition celebrating the legacy of musician and social activist AKALA.
@ Home With… Omar
This was a 12 week accredited arts programme (18 weeks total) developed by a group of 36 young people living in east London.
The programme provided a unique creative development experience for the aspiring local artists aged 16-18 that are classified as NEET.
The participants were mentored one-to-one and immersed in a series of 36 AQA accredited creative arts and business industry workshops.
This was a real hands on experience for those involved and culminated in a music showcase and a pop up art exhibition celebrating the legacy of multi-instrumentalist and soul singer Omar Lye-Fook
Biodiversity Programme
In partnership with Earth Tone Arts and in close collaboration with the TRLA, the project was initially developed to increase biodiversity on the Aldriche Way Estate and funded by Waltham Forest Council as a series of 3 sessions in August 2017. Since then the project has taken a life of its own and the Gardening Club has become a routine that families attend on Sundays. Stuart Robinson, a local resident and chairman of the TRLA says: “The kids have really taken to gardening and wildlife and it’s become a truly inter-generational affair”.
The Soul Garden
Soul Garden was a 24 week organic food growing and enterprise project for homeless families. In partnership with East Thames' Barking Foyer in East London we developed the rooftop area into a roof garden. We did this through delivering a series of 48 workshops that focused on sustainable organic food growing, food enterprise and health & wellbeing.
Helping to redesign the green spaces, participants will also get to learn about growing their own healthy food.
The Young London
Experience
Funded by Arts Council
A participatory arts programme celebrating Barking and Dagenham’s 50th anniversary and historic cultural youth diversity through Street Art.
The project provided a unique creative development experience for eleven established London based Street Artists, who were paired with aspiring artists aged 16-24 classified as NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training). These aspiring artists will in turn now mentor eleven young people aged 11-16.
The participants were immersed in a dynamic series of workshops and creative activities and produced a 2 week exhibition.
The Family Music Experience
Funded by Awards for All/ Big Lottery Fund
Over a 10 week period we delivered 2 weekly workshops, 20 in total for children aged 5-11 and their parents. The project took parents and children on a cultural and educational music journey. Each session families learnt about and played different music styles e.g. African, Caribbean, Asian and European which was combined with rhythmic reading, writing and literacy techniques.
We used rhythm, words, tempo and melody, which are important skills for reading.
We developed listening techniques which is an important for communication and literacy skills.
We explained the connections between print and spoken word.
We practiced motor development and motor coordination while experimenting with various instruments and dancing as well as develop thinking techniques; creatively and holistically. Parents who played a musical instrument was also encouraged to bring it in, talk about and demonstrate to the children their instrument of choice.
The weekly sessions used storytelling, drama and other creative learning activities which aimed to develop reading, writing, literacy skills and increase values and qualities such as integrity, teamwork, leadership and creativity
