A MUSIC charity that works to remove barriers for entry has been given a massive boost, thanks to the Youth Music fund.
Readipop, based in Trafford Road, has received £100,000.
As a result, it’s expecting to support around 2,000 vulnerable and disadvantaged young people over the next three years.
They will be able to take part in its Access All Areas (AAA) programme. This includes mentoring sessions, youth clubs, outreach and school workshops, creative employment, and performance opportunities for children across Reading and Wokingham, and the immediate area.
To celebrate the funding, a group of participants are set to play an Access All Areas Take-Over for the first time at Readipop Festival in July. Also on the bill to the Christchurch Meadows event are Rapper’s Delight legends The Sugarhill Gang, trip hop pioneers Morcheeba and Mercury Music Prize winner Badly Drawn Boy.
Amy Hodder, Readipop’s executive director, said: “We’re truly passionate about using the power of music to make a positive difference in people’s lives. This new funding from Youth Music will give many more children amazing opportunities they have always dreamed of.
“We know our sessions are a lifeline for many young people in our area, allowing them to express their feelings and emotions, grow in confidence and make positive decisions for their future.
“With the support of our brilliant mentors, I can’t wait to hear what our next generation of artists produce, and being able to watch them on the Readipop stage next year will be amazing.”
Established in 1998, Readipop is an innovative music and arts charity with a strong reputation for inspirational, engaging arts projects.
The creative sessions include a weekly free-to-access music youth club taking place at Readipop Studios in Trafford Road, a monthly Family Jam for all ages to learn how to play, and one-to-one music-based-mentoring sessions led by experienced musicians for at-risk young people facing barriers to participation.
The charity also provides paid employment opportunities for musicians aged 18-25 leaving education and seeking employment in the arts, and has hosted outreach sessions with partners including The Weller Centre and the Princes Trust.
It’s ‘In the Mix’ youth club at Amersham Road in Caversham runs every Monday during term time.
Youth Music is a national charity investing in music-making projects for children and young people experiencing challenging circumstances. It is funded by the National Lottery via Arts Council England, players of People’s Postcode Lottery and support from partners, fundraisers and donors.
For more information on Readipop and the annual festival visit www.readipop.co.uk
An earlier version of this story said the grant was provided by the National Lottery. This is not the case, it is a grant from Youth Music, which has been part funded by the National Lottery through its support for Arts Council England. We apologise for our error.
