‘We’ve helped people manage two hard years’
THURSDAY afternoons are a noisy affair in the Devon town of Brixham – because that’s when the Music At The Edge project opens its doors for free, fun workshops funded with cash raised through The Health Lottery.
“It’s a really bubbly atmosphere and a welcoming space, with around 20 people,” says Music At
The Edge project coordinator Tom Crump. “We’re all about social inclusion as well as creative music making. The group chooses their music and I and our volunteer Andy West work to arrange it, teaching where appropriate. We work really hard to try and include everybody.”
SO REWARDING
The project caters for first-timers as well as players in their eighties who have a lot of musical experience – and everyone is guaranteed a warm welcome.
“Most people are of retirement age, some are homeless, others have mental health issues or special educational needs. Brixham is a town with quite high economic deprivation, so it’s great to offer something free to those close to the poverty line,” says Tom.
Music At The Edge is part of the Yes! Brixham community service, which can also signpost people to valuable support such as benefits advice, a food bank and volunteering opportunities – particularly helpful during two years of the pandemic.
“It’s really rewarding,” says volunteer Andy. “It’s one of the highlights of my week – it’s absolutely great to meet people I wouldn’t come into contact with if it wasn’t for Music At The Edge. It’s socially rewarding as I’ve made new friends – and on a musical note, it’s really great that something that would be a hobby has allowed me to grow as a musician. I get as much out of it as I’m giving.” Music At The Edge has a cupboard full of guitars, amps, strings and drumsticks, thanks to support from The Health Lottery –and the funds raised go a long way, allowing the group to put on its live music festival for Christmas.
“The funding raised through The Health Lottery has helped us become a fundamental part of the community in Brixham,” says Tom. “And the money we receive goes directly to benefit the community. There have been so many stories from beneficiaries who have been able to manage the hardest two years of their life thanks to this.”