Posted on Monday 24th April 2023
Lian Craven, Chris Watt and Kristy Ufton from the Upbeat music project with members of the armed forces
Children from military families in Staffordshire are getting the chance to take part in free music sessions thanks to a new project.
The Upbeat Music project is being delivered by Staffordshire charity Make Some Noise thanks to funding from the Armed Forces Covenant Trust Fund.
The charity received £100,000 to deliver free sessions for children from armed forces families across the county as well as those living on military sites. The sessions offer fun music and movement activities, helping build children’s confidence while encouraging a love of music. Sessions for families with children up to the age of five currently run in Stafford, Whittington and Bramcote.
More than 100 families boogie on down every week. Mum to four-year-old Lily said:
“My daughter adores the sessions because they are very engaging, interactive and are also inclusive for children with additional needs. We love it.”
Cat Crum, Head of Operations and Programmes for Make Some Noise said:
“Upbeat sessions are true to their name – they make you feel upbeat and positive and the children love them.
“We have run sessions for over six years now, growing the service into other armed forces sites because of demand and need from families. We are thrilled to have been granted this funding and hope to continue supporting forces families for many years to come”.
The Armed Forces Covenant Trust Fund awards grants to groups and projects that work with or support armed forces communities. Further details are available at Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust.
Philip White, Deputy Leader at Staffordshire County Council said:
“We continue to support our armed forces communities in recognition of the essential role they play in keeping us all safe as well as the high level of skills and experience they bring to Staffordshire.
“This is a great project that has been made possible thanks to funding through the covenant fund. It not only helps support children and young people who may face challenges in their lives, helping them build confidence but also helps promote good wellbeing and better community integration. I’d encourage other organisations working with armed forces communities to apply for the funding.”
Staffordshire County Council re-signed the Armed Forces Covenant in February 2023, a pledge to support armed forces families and communities within the region. The Covenant is a promise by the nation ensuring those who serve/have served and their families, are treated fairly ensuring all members of the Armed Forces community have the same access to public and commercial services as any other citizen does. Further details on how organisations can pledge their support for the Armed Forces community is available at Home - Armed Forces Covenant.
People can find out more about the Upbeat music project at Upbeat Families – Make Some Noise (make-some-noise.com). Upbeat videos are also available to watch at https://www.facebook.com/UpbeatFamilies.