Transforming lives through music and the arts
Schools Programme
Our School programme incorporates both one-off and short-burst participatory music projects, ongoing support groups and staff support and training
PUPILS
School pupils are struggling with their mental health and well-being more than ever before. In the last three years it has increased by 50%. Now 1 in 6 children aged 5-16 suffer from a mental health condition and 75% of those aren't getting the help they need. Even before the pandemic, mental health of young people was in crisis. In a recent study of young people aged 13-25, 69% described their mental health as poor and 67% believe that the covid-19 pandemic will have a long-term detrimental effect on their mental health.
STAFF
School staff are struggling just as much as their students. The pressures and demands on them are immense and they are struggling to manage their own emotions and lives, and support their own friends and family. They often have nothing left to give to the students and don't feel confident that they have the time or skills to help students in the way they would like to. Staff support is a mandatory part of our programme because we believe they are the key to an emotionally mature and regulated school community
HOW IT WORKS
Research has proven that involvement in participatory music increases wellbeing and group connection. This is due to the release of oxytocin, associated with feeling of trust and bonding as well as with reducing anxiety and stress.
The breathing and postural techniques taught through the games and singing acitivities promote grounding and self-regulation and increase self-esteem. We also choose the repertoire carefully to promote equality and diversity, social inclusion and community cohesion.
Main Stage Drama
Regular Saturday performing arts classes for children and young people aged 6-16 to build confidence and social inclusion
HOW IT WORKS
Performing arts and drama groups are often full of super-confident children, but we realise that all children benefit hugely from the opportunities and skills they provide. Our classes are fully inclusive and friendly. We treat everyone as an individual and an equal and build their confidence, skills and support network. Our young people are fantastic, they support each other in a wonderful way and also produce the most wonderful shows. Come and see why we are so proud of them all!
WHY IT WORKS
The stimulus of many different brain areas associated with music and performing arts participation are second to none and are thought to account for its tremendous benefits for those with a wide range of conditions. It can improve communication skills, sensory skills, social skills, physical skills (both gross and fine-motor), emotional regulation and expression, and cognition – particularly attention and focus. Stress hormones level reduce and dopamine and oxytocin are boosted.
WHO AND WHAT?
Our staff are all trained in a wide range of SEND, wellbeing and mental health. They choose acitivites and themes to promote social inclusion, equality and diversity and encourage a growth mindset and positive self-image. We also train and work with Young PALs, many of whom have come through the Main Stage programme themselves. They help us has excellent staff ratios and therefore good support for every individual. We perform regularly and include everyone!
Young PALs Scheme
Our Young Performing Arts Leaders Scheme trains young people to lead performing arts and community projects whilst boosting their confidence and skills
SKILLS FOR THE FUTURE
Our Young PALs scheme takes applications from young people in school year 10 and above and trains them for one year, providing work experience opportunities alongside their training. They learn repertoire, skills and pedagogy alongside essential skills such as safeguarding and health and safety to equip them to work with children and young people in the future. As part of the training we learn about SEND, inclusion and equality and the importance health and social benefits of music and the performing arts.
PERSONAL BENEFIT
As well as learning valuable skills for the future and gaining work experience that is so important for access to training jobs and higher education, we feel that our young PALs gain so much more. By learning about the issues and difficulties that young people face from a third person perspective, they gain a greater insight into their own situation and that of their peers. In addition, we know that the participatory performing arts that they are learning has immense health, social and well-being benefits as well as being great fun!
HOW IT WORKS
Young people apply to us either through being an existing member of Main Stage Drama, or through self-referral or a school referral. We consider all applications, irrespective of any SEND, health and behavioural issues. An interest in performing arts and a willingness to try are essential criteria though.
When placing PALs in work experience positions, they are always fully supported and supervised by trained and experienced senior staff. At age 16, a DBS check is required for work experience placement.
Musical Mind
Musical mind is the name for our music-based creative projects and support groups for targeted groups of individuals
HOW IT WORKS
Working in partnership with health care settings, NHS foundation trusts, schools, employers, care-providers and charitable partners, we co-produce individual support programmes for groups on an on-going basis. These can be participatory projects with particular aims eg. tackling loneliness and social exclusion, or creative projects with a goal and focus eg. writing and releasing a song to tackle mental health stigma amongst young people
WHY IT WORKS
Active participation in performing arts has been proven to lower levels of cortisol, boosts the immune system, increased dopamine and releases oxytocin, as well as with reducing anxiety and stress. Active participation in performing arts had a significant positive impact on those suffering from depression and loneliness, improving their feeling of connection and relaxation
Singing, drumming or dancing in a group boosts endorphins – the body’s natural pain killers.
WHO AND WHAT?
Our musicians and staff are incredibly highly skilled and expereinced. They work at all times with care-givers and professional and clinical staff to ensure that programmes are beneficial, tailored and specific. Our monitoring is continuous to ensure that we get value for money and the best possible outcomes for our particpants. Co-production of projects means that the participants voice is always considered and incorporated.
HOW IT WORKS
Youth Orchestra can be a powerful and enjoyable activity for children and young people who learn musical instruments. However, they are traditionally run using a formal adult / child or teacher / student model which can be offputting and detrimental to some young people. Our youth Orchestra is run by the young people. Section leaders and conductors are recruited through our PALS scheme and supported and trained to work successfully and confidentally.
WHY IT WORKS
We know that young people have better self esteem when their point of view is considered. Our Youth Orchestra puts the Young Person's Voice at the heart of everything we do. Our staff are their to support the young people, keep them safe and guide and train them. With experts in musical training, mental health, youth work and licensed chaperones at the heart of our organistion, we are well-placed to support young people while they create something brilliant!
WHO AND WHAT?
We welcome applications from children and young people aged 11-22 who play an orchestral musical instrument and play at around grade six level or above. Older and more experienced musicians are encouraged to apply for out PALS scheme if they are interested in become section leaders or sitting on the management team. Meeting regularly in Sutton Coldfield from September 2023, we will provide an exciting alternative youth orchestra option
Apollo Academy
A Youth Orchestra Project for Young People to boost their confidence, skills and teamwork. Run by young people for young people
Registered Charity Number 1197355
