HMDT Music to participate in The Big Give to fundraise for One Spirit
We have been selected to participate in the Big Give’s ‘Arts for Impact’ fundraising scheme, in which we’re hoping to raise much needed funds for One Spirit, with each donation DOUBLED through match funding!
One Spirit, our intervention, resettlement and restorative programme, uses music as a tool to help support and transform the lives of some of our community’s most vulnerable young people at risk of or already embroiled in the criminal justice system, to improve confidence, self-esteem, mental health and well-being, engagement with learning, and reduce re-offending. Offering an alternative curriculum of creative arts and entrepreneurial activities delivered through mentoring and workshops in custody, on release in the community and in Pupil Referral Units, One Spirit’s success is reflected in its 15 year consistent non-reoffending rate of over 85%, with 60% progressing into employment and 25% into education.
As far as I know you’re the only organisation working like this … meeting in custody and working through and after release. It’s a brilliant service for the boys and I wanted to tell you how valuable it is for us at Probation - Probation
One Spirit participants have faced challenging, adverse childhood experiences and significant social and economic disadvantages, with over 60% having been in care and most having been exposed to violence, neglect, abuse, gang pressure and exclusion. Poor skills, low self-worth, mental health issues, lack of support and opportunity drives them to being exploited, unable to find employment or to envisage a stable and progressive future, leading many to get caught up in or be at risk of committing offences.
Without One Spirit I would be back in jail. It’s turned me into a philosopher to look at my life and see other kids at risk and see how they can stop themselves doing the same thing - Participant in the Community
For our Saturday Programme families, special fundraising initiatives include our Tutor Concert, Raffle andBake Sale on 21st March.
The Big Give campaign page is open from 17th- 24th March, and we would greatly appreciate any contributions you are able to make, as every donation (which will be doubled by The Big Give) makes a transformative difference to every One Spirit participant. Visit our campaign page HERE to learn more and please book mark it so you can donate when the Scheme opens.