‘SWAG’ Musical Inclusion / Youth Music – case studies
The most vulnerable and disadvantaged young people in our society are often those who can benefit most from making music. Yet often because of the challenges they face, they’re the least able to access opportunities to do so. SWAG (Swindon, Wiltshire and Gloucestershire) Musical Inclusion was a programme funded by Youth Music and others, which addressed this challenge. Anita worked with the partnership over a number of years, including writing case studies of their work.
The young people involved were those not in education or employment (NEET) or at risk of becoming so; those experiencing emotional, social or behavioural difficulties; looked-after children; or those with special educational needs.
The work is strong on impact and outcomes, but those involved often struggle to raise awareness and understanding of their work, and the specialist skills involved. SWAG contracted us to produce three case studies initially, interviewing music leaders and project managers, and using anonymised records of the children and young people involved.
The case studies are now being used to advocate and explain the work to funders and commissioners of services. At least one of the projects has reported that they have secured a long-term contract with one school and are in discussions with another, as a result of the case study.
Anita later wrote a second series of case studies which explained the practice in more detail. They explored how the projects came about, and the successes and challenges: the aim was to pass on the learning to other practitioners/policy makers.
Read the case studies:
First series:
Wiltshire Youth Arts Partnership Music Matters – re-engaging Jack in learning and in life
Wiltshire Music Centre Zone Club – a place for us, learning disabled young people
Roses Theatre and Gloucestershire Music Makers – developing a young music leader
Second series:
Salisbury Arts Centre – outreach with learning disabled young people
Swindon Music Service – choir in an EOTAS centre
The Music Works – inclusion work in a mainstream school
WYAP – working in an EOTAS setting
See also:
Gloucestershire Music Makers – case studies of work with children in challenging circumstances
Youth Music – case studies about the power of music for young people in challenging circumstances