Published 23 January 2013
Roadrunnerz on a roll
Pictured: Three members of the
Roadrunnerz
(from left to right): Trigz (AKA
Aaron
Williams);
Twisted (AKA Nathaniel
Chapman)
and LZ (AKA Ziggy Williams)
An ESF Convergence project in Cornwall is offering music production resources alongside more mainstream employment support provision to help vulnerable teenagers build confidence and skills.
A group of teenagers from Camborne going by the name of Roadrunnerz are currently benefiting from this support. Members Trigz, LZ, Twisted and Grizzly started attending Music for Youth sessions at Cornwall Neighbourhoods for Change (CN4C) Redruth headquarters at The Elms, and have now put their recordings onto YouTube. Prior to this, the group had often been moved on by police whilst on the streets of Camborne.
The project, which has partners including Cornwall College (via Deep Blue Sound), Redruth Community Radio (also based at the Elms) and Cornwall Youth Music Action Zone, is run alongside Freestyle. Freestyle provides activities and specialist support to young people in disadvantaged and hard to reach groups. It aims to remove barriers to help them engage with and remain in learning. The project receives ESF Convergence co-financed by the Skills Funding Agency via the Learning Partnership.
Anicka Dyer, CN4C Youth and Community Development Manager, explained:
“One session a week in Music for Youth and Freestyle involved encouraging young people to explore music. They could come in and have access to musical instruments and equipment and perform and record music.
“The Roadrunnerz came in one day and asked if they do their ‘spittings’ at the Elms. We found out it was a kind of rapping. They produced an amazing set of music which they took away and they have now organised a music festival in Redruth and are posting their music on YouTube.”
Both LZ (Ziggy Williams) and Trigz (Aaron Williams – no relation) are now also working towards gaining a Security Industry Authority licence to help them find employment.
Mark Yeoman, Head of ESF Convergence Communication, said:
“The success of our economy depends on realising the strengths and talents of our entire workforce – our young people will play a vital part in all our futures. It is great to see ESF Convergence being used successfully alongside and complementing mainstream provision. New skills and confidence are vital components in helping realise new work opportunities wherever and whenever they arise.”
LZ said:
“CN4C helped us to get off the streets …putting our time and effort into something more productive. We wanted to show people that not all youths should be stereotyped like yobs and that with all the support we are now able to aim higher towards success and off the streets.”