Engagement in creative activities can have a profound effect on ones life regardless of background, age or circumstance. SoCo recognised a real lack of opportunities for creative intervention amongst adults most in need in locally and set out to address this.

SoCo’s Adult Learning Programme has been providing accessible music-making opportunities for vulnerable adults since 2010, and has reached hundreds of participants across Hampshire. Delivery is diverse, ranging from one-off taster sessions and short-term courses to sustained engagement over a number of years. Funding from Southampton City Council, European Social Funding, Denplan Community Fund and Hammerson has enabled us to deliver creative sessions for a wide range of adult groups, including those with learning and/or physical disabilities, substance misuse issues, mental health difficulties, ex-offenders, the homeless, the unemployed and the elderly.

OUTCOMES

Our Creative Practitioners specialise in music-making that encompasses a range of activities, including instrumental tuition and performance, song/lyric writing, music production and recording. Whilst sessions are fun and enjoyable, developing participants’ musical skills and knowledge, they also support the development of a number of social outcomes that may lead to recovery and rehabilitation back into society. For many participants, these sessions provide a necessary respite from their regular routine and have become an essential part of their recovery programme. Sessions build confidence, motivation and aspirations and support creative expression amongst participants. They tackle isolation and loneliness amongst hard-to-reach groups by providing opportunities for participants to make friends and develop vital support networks. They also look to develop pathways to employment through the development of a number of transferable skills.

Over the years SoCo has worked closely with a number of partner organisations, such as Solent Mind, Eastleigh MENCAP, Richmond Fellowship, Patrick House, Society of St James, MCCH and local day service groups, to develop and tailor an exciting offer that best supports the needs and interests of each learner group. Throughout our Adult Learning Programme we have seen some incredible success stories. As a direct result of attending music-making sessions with SoCo, a number of participants returned to part or full-time employment/volunteering, whilst SoCo has also been able to support participants on their musical journey through a number of progression routes and performance opportunities, most notably for Society of St James’ Alcohol Recovery Group, The Recovery All-Stars. Alongside this, several current and former participants have successfully volunteered with SoCo in roles such as Support Practitioner and as part of our Events Team.

For more information about our Adult Learning Programme, please visit the projects listed below or for more information on the benefits and impact of our creative provision, please see our Adult Learning Report, a longitudinal study of 5 years of music provision from 2010 – 2015.

If you are able to support us to continue developing music-making opportunities for vulnerable adults, please get in contact or visit our Giving Page. If you would like to book a course or make an enquiry, please contact [email protected]