A NEW project has been launched in Derry to encourage young adults with a learning disability to get involved in music and creative arts.
A number of schools and community organisations are involved in the Tuned In project.
Based in Precision Park, Springtown Industrial Estate, the project for young adults with a learning disability is supported by the Big Lottery Fund and is giving young adults with a learning disability the chance to reach their potential through music, performance and the creative arts.
Tuned In works with key community partners to deliver an educational intervention project that will help young people transition from school to adulthood.
It gives young adults with a learning disability the opportunity to complete accredited courses in music, life skills, drama and creative arts.
Gaining experience working as an ‘event management team’, participants will have the opportunity to organise and host a wide range of musical and artistic performance events for both disabled and non-disabled young people.
The project is supported by the Big Lottery Fund’s Empowering Young People programme.
At the launch, Frank Hewitt, the Big Lottery Fund NI Chair, said: “Our Empowering Young People programme is transforming the lives of the most vulnerable young people in Northern Ireland including those who are at risk of crime or have dropped out of school, are not in education or employment, or are living with disabilities or the impact of violence.
“Our funding is supporting those young people who need our help the most.”
Dr Michael Dobbins, Chairperson of the Tuned In Management Board, said: “The success of this project is based on quality partnerships that are focused on improving the lives and opportunities of our young people.
“No one organisation can deliver everything on their own, but through working together we can do great things.
“I want to thank all the partner organisations for supporting these opportunities for our young people.”
Shaun Healey, Tuned In participant, said: “It’s a fantastic project to take part in and has given me loads of confidence and I feel better about myself.  I love taking part in the Djing, music and dancing.  It’s a really amazing project to do.”
The project is managed by a number of key partners combining considerable expertise and knowledge in promoting the abilities and developing training and employment opportunities for young adults with a learning disability.
The key partners are: Something Special; Foyle View School; Liberty Consortium; Belmont House School; The Nerve Centre; Western Education and Library Board; and Foyle Parents and Friends Association.
Anyone who wishes to find out more about the project is asked to contact 02871 367 029.
 

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