Jamming Station is a community based scheme created in 2012 by a group of parents in Totnes who saw the need for and the value in providing a safe space where young people (aged 13-21) can meet regularly to play and create music together in a supported environment, allowing them to really explore their creativity as well as develop social skills and confidence. In just six years this grass roots organisation has grown from small weekly sessions in Totnes to regular and well mentored sessions and events for kids of all ages and backgrounds in and around the area including Torquay, Buckfastleigh and Exeter. As well as weekly ‘jamming’ sessions, kids also benefit from workshops from Sound Sampling to DJ skills and get a chance to perform live at local gigs and festivals. Those who have been part of the Jamming Station for longest have the opportunity to become mentors to the younger kids.

The organisation is keen to reach out further to more young people and is currently very excited as they’re in with a strong chance of winning some funding which would allow this to happen. Jamming Station is on a shortlist of five South West organisations, three of which will win a £50K slice of National Lottery funding.  This is part of the National Lottery's People’s Project which is all about ensuring that funding goes right where it’s needed in each local community, so Jamming Station will be appealing to the SW community to vote for them.

If Jamming Station is successful, the funding will ensure the launch of an important new outreach project, Sound Life, which will mean that the gigs, sessions and workshops will become accessible to young people who are not currently able to afford the service, and will also mean that new ways can be explored of reaching those kids who might not have the confidence to even attend a session. Accessing music and support in this way can be life changing. “You’re giving them the opportunity to show their ability, be unique on themselves and not be judged.” says Karen, a parent. “Jamming Station has given me motivation, plus space and time to do more with my music. I’ve made new friends and had the opportunity to perform” says Dylan, a former participant. 

Director Beth Coombes says “With this money, we’ll be able to reach so many more kids who could benefit from music in so many ways. If the public gets behind us and we get the funding, the Sound Life project will have a really big impact on young people and communities in Torbay. We need votes!” 

The Voting opens at 9am on 16th April and closes on 30th April. To cast your vote, please visit the PEOPLES PROJECT page where you'll find all the information.

Joe Ferns, UK Funding Director of the Big Lottery Fund says “As the largest funder of community activity in the UK, we are proud to support grassroots groups that are using the vision, determination and drive of local people to strengthen communities."