Jamming Station and young musicians in Totnes are feeling blessed. At the end of a nail biting two weeks of gathering public votes to support their National Lottery funding bid, this grass roots local community scheme (set up by three local mothers Jacqui Perks, Beth Coombes and Lee Friese-Greene) which has been bringing 13-21 year olds together in a safe and supported space to create and play music for 5 years now, has just received the news that they have won £50K via the Peoples Project fund! This money will help Jamming Station develop a new programme, called Sound Life, which will deliver all kinds of music workshops in Totnes and throughout Torbay, including in local schools and the Totnes skate park. Jamming Station will now be able to train volunteers and mentors to work in creative ways to empower young people. 

“There was some stiff competition and all participating organisations were great. It’s been such a privilege gathering votes in town talking to and getting to know our community,” says Director Jacqui Perks. “It feels like we’ve won the lottery, and we literally have, thanks to the votes of our local supporters. We have a very special thank you to give to local businesses who helped us spread the word, including the amazingly supportive Barrel House, and also The Totnes Brewery, The Hairy Barista, Ben’s Farm Shop, The Practice and Morrisons, and local music supporters such as musicmuso and Riviera FM. This was a community really pulling together, and we couldn’t have done it without you!” 

Sound Life will include exciting opportunities for young people who love music but don’t play an instrument, as well as those who are harder to reach. Workshops will be wide ranging, such as DJing, sound sampling, mixing and songwriting. 

Director Beth Coombes says: “Thanks to all who voted we will increase our reach to more young people, opening up the possibility of amazing positive experiences with new friends, in groups, and in our community. Young people will be able to learn a new instrument, join a band and perform at local events. Sound Life is about bringing young people together, giving them valuable life skills and building confidence and self-esteem to support their well being.” 

“Thank you so much Totnes!” says Jacqui. “This is a game changer for our youth music project and we’re really looking forward to putting our plans into action over the coming year!”. 

If anyone is interested in volunteering at Jamming Station or if you’re 13-21 years old and want to join in, visit www.jammingstation.co.uk