Case History - Supporting Young People in Challenging Circumstances
Wednesday 19th August 2009
In a new development for LMN, the past year saw us working 
for the first time with young people in the care system. In Northern Ireland, we co-ordinated a project with Voices of Young People in Care (VOYPIC) to run a series of workshops with young people from Childrens Homes or foster families in Derry, Lurgan, Belfast and Ballymena. The young people gave a concert performance showcasing the results of the workshops, at Ballyearl Theatre, Newtownabbey which featured their own, original compositions as well as covers. This was an important element of the project, as their input to the design and musical content of the workshops and showcase helped them to grow in confidence and musical ability, and has led to increased self-esteem. This is especially important for looked after young people, whose difficult life experiences often mean that they feel excluded from 'normal' childhood experiences and become withdrawn and anxious.
This project was as challenging as rewarding for everyone involved and a member of staff at VOYPIC in Belfast told us:
"My expectations were exceeded, I was surprised at how well the concert went and how much effort the young people put in. I think these activities are useful because they appeal to young people's creative side, they create opportunities to develop talents and the process from rehearsal to performance requires commitment and dedication, it develops confidence and gives a sense of achievement."
