SiFly Uncategorized

A Dynamic Contrast

HIGHFIELDS BOXING CLUB : A busy day of delivery yesterday, building numbers in the group at Highfields with some new additions. Everything we do is focused on using music as a tool for development with communication and discipline at the core. Thanks to everyone who shared on social media and the parents for travelling from outlying villages.

ME PROJECT : We began our long anticipated work with ME PROJECT last night. Our usual all action hands on session was sprinkled with open group conversation as we explored how music can be used as a tool to reduce anxiety and cope with the increasing pressures of adolescence. Big thanks to all who attended and the staff for joining in and supporting. The due diligence and meeting of professional guidelines for developing this kind of workshop is massive. Utmost respect to Kath and Paige for getting to where they are.

ATLAS PRIMARY : We were back in the centre of Town for this one. Bringing together young people from different cultures and backgrounds. The starting point for this one was chaotic and challenging for every one of us. Our training in recognising SLD’s was helpful as we steered the group into respect, communication and genuine dynamism. We do this work because we know it can be challenging, but we also trust in our understanding and experience to bring out the best in everyone and the young people grew into it with gusto and enthusiasm. Thanks again to the staff for their support.

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Astrea Atlas Academy

Energetic Intensive Effort

We were Invited to work with Astrea Academies after meeting Fran Lightfoot at a Community Wealth Builder networking event.

We identified a need to engage with pupils who needed further support. Fran linked us up with Head Jonathan Moody and we decided to focus on pupils with Additional Needs and Specific Learning Difficulties.

Great enthusiasm, whole heartedly connecting with the technology yesterday. We worked on composing, choosing appropriate sounds and learning how to chop beats while keeping good time.

Thanks to Isla Foundation for not only funding, but also for having the patience to stay with us through the difficult times we have faced. The credit also goes to the Barrier Buster fund, for agreeing a match fund to support young people in the most challenging situations. This will give a boost to their confidence, resilience and development.

Atlas is close to Doncaster’s famous St James Street Tower Blocks.

While studying for my degree a good friend lived on the very top floor of the block next door to this one, It’s a magnificent view over the Plant Works and out towards Cusworth Hall.

Big thanks to the young people, the Parents for returning the consent forms, Grace and Jonathan for inviting us and Neil the caretaker for supporting.

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Well Doncaster at HBC

Developing New skills

Massive thanks to Well Doncaster, Liz at Highfields Boxing Club, Miss Cordingley from Adwick Primary, and anyone who shared the promotion on social media.

Great effort from the group today

A successful session with parents joining in too which has been a positive feature recently. It is good for us as it shows that 90minutemusic is as much about tools for development and resilience as it is about the building blocks of Music and our relationship with technology.

Big respect to the parents for travelling from outlying villages and getting hands on.

We will be back every Wednesday for the next 5 weeks and we may have space for a couple more participants. Get in touch, book through the website https://90minutemusic.co.uk

SiFly Uncategorized

Bada-Bada-Bingo

Inspired by cult TV series the Sopranos and our ongoing journey with Dementia, this is the latest offering to help reduce social isolation.

Although much of our work is with the younger population, the personal challenges of recent years have steered us to question how we can help the elderly.

Mum has been an inspiration

After she had a recent fall I have been spending more time with my Mum, exploring different artistic endeavours. Although I felt a bit guilty for not trying it before, I was surprised just how much she was getting from it and how it supported her mental health and cognition.

Bada-Bada-Bingo Is a (hopefully) less competitive mix between Bingo and Name That Tune which we will be trialing with local groups soon.

If there are any local groups to Doncaster which are interested in smashing social isolation then feel free to get in touch.