Overview
LAB7 helps young people aged between 13-20 from disadvantaged and working-class backgrounds in the Cardiff area, particularly those from minorities or those who are at risk of criminal exploitation, by running weekly music sessions with mentors, funding studio time, providing musical equipment, and facilitating trips and events. They break down the barriers the young people are facing, build self-esteem, provide positive role models and ultimately a new path into the creative industries.
LAB7 helps young people aged between 13-20 from disadvantaged and working-class backgrounds in the Cardiff area, particularly those from minorities or those who are at risk of criminal exploitation. By breaking down barriers to creativity and providing a positive environment for them to grow and develop, they help young people to find a path into the creative industries.
They work at grassroots level reaching young people who are not currently engaged with any other services, as well as with people in the care or justice system. Through their love of music, young people can attend weekly sessions and find relatable and inspiring role models and mentors to work with, as well as build positive friendships with like-minded peers.
They provide finance for young people to access local music studios, working with studio engineers to provide safeguarding training and DBS checks to ensure safe environments. When people are unable to attend studios, they can also provide music equipment to use at home.
LAB7 also create opportunities for young people by exposing them to new experiences to help raise their aspirations. These can include the theatre and networking events, places they may not think there is a place for them or feel welcome. LAB7 show them that it is possible and that they are welcome in those spaces.
Each year, LAB7 plan an event for young people to showcase their skills and talents, inviting friends and family along, helping them to develop transferable skills and giving them experience of working with others, which builds their self-esteem and ambition.
Many of the young people LAB7 work with have had to ‘grow up quickly’ and have missed out on being young, so it’s important to provide them with a fun experience. They have already changed the lives and direction of the people they work with and hope to grow and develop the project to reach more people who need it.
With a waiting list of young people wanting to join in, LAB7 are currently looking for funding that will enable them to run another weekly session. Costs include transport and food for the young people attending the sessions, as these are often a barrier for them.
Being shortlisted is incredible. We are a small, high impact charity open to all voluntary sector leaders across South Yorkshire. Many of the charities we support are small or medium sized organisations, the smallest being a food bank and community larder operating from the founder’s own house.
Support for us means support for a wide range of diverse charities from across the region, resulting in a significant impact for a large number of communities and service users.
Martin Singer
