Participants of the Positive Young Minds Music Progamme with their “Springhill Beats” CD upon completion of the project with Orlaith McGinn and Brian McNamee WELB youth workers.
Eighteen budding musicians and songwriters from Strabane have successfully completed a 12-week Positive Young Minds music programme delivered by the Western Education and Library Board’s (WELB) Youth Service.
The programme aimed to enhance young people’s understanding of mental health awareness, with the medium for communication being predominantly through music.
It enabled them to express themselves creatively and equipped them with music production skills and knowledge.
The group also addressed mental health issues which can affect young people and were taught to think about the positive impact music has on their lives and interlink their learning through this accessible and creative medium.
One of the highlights for the young people included working alongside local music producer Jordan McDermott, who offered support and guidance, on how to create and produce their own material. At the end of the programme, the group had penned their own song ‘Springhill Beats’ and designed a CD cover.
As part of the programme activities a residential visit was organised to Gartan Outdoor Education Centre, Donegal.
There was a great sense of achievement when the final version of the CD was presented to the young people to share with their family and friends and to circulate within their local community.
The course was delivered and supported by Orlaith McGinn, WELB area youth worker at Springhill Youth Club.
She said: “I am immensely proud of these young people, who through this programme, had the opportunity to discover and showcase their talents and abilities whilst enhancing their knowledge of mental health issues.”
Orlaith concluded: “The level of creativity within the group was inspiring; they have created something they will always have and can share with their family and friends to highlight all they learnt.”
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