Beats of Morecambe Bay will provide high quality musical experiences for disabled and learning-disabled children & adults & others in the Morecambe community. Unique Beatz is a creative music session for disabled and learning-disabled children & young adults, delivered in partnership with Unique Kidz and Co. On The Beat is a musicmaking session for learning-disabled adults. The sessions provide a valuable & rare opportunity for adults who need support to actively participate in making music & socialise in a larger group in a friendly & safe space. Baybeat Streetband is a multi-generational community streetband, with drums, percussion & horns. It’s open to all musical abilities, from beginners to advanced, is totally inclusive for disabled people & to those aged 8-80+. Beats of Morecambe Bay aims to provide opportunities for creativity, connection & fun through creative music sessions which build confidence, benefit wellbeing & give participants the chance to express themselves.

What we'll deliver:

• 27 x Unique Beatz creative music sessions
• 27 x On The Beat music sessions
• 27 x Baybeat Streetband sessions
• 8 x performances featuring those that participate in Beats of Morecambe Bay
• Repair and replace instruments for Beats of Morecambe Bay sessions

Why it's a great idea:

Beats of Morecambe Bay will provide many benefits to residents of Morecambe including: • much needed opportunities for disabled and learning-disabled people in Morecambe to participate in high quality music making • a safe space where learning-disabled people can feel comfortable, relax and enjoy themselves • support for people to participate in a range of inclusive and welcoming programmes at More Music • performance opportunities at More Music in Morecambe, around Lancashire and further afield • opportunities for people who have never played before to become confident musicians and performers • social and mental health benefits of shared music making • the chance for multi-generational groups to come together and make music as a team, tackling the intergenerational divide within our community • uplifting musical performances for the Morecambe community to enjoy, bringing pride in their community

Steps to get it done:

• Confirm music leaders to deliver the sessions
• Create marketing materials
• Promote the sessions through our networks, current participants, online and through partner organisations
• Develop evaluation resources to help measure the impact of the sessions
• Confirm performance opportunities for Beats in Morecambe Bay
• Planning session for the music leaders
• Deliver Unique Beatz, On the Beat and Baybeat Streetband sessions
• Evaluate the sessions and look for further funding to secure ongoing delivery

Our participants tell us that they love attending sessions at More Music & that there aren’t enough opportunities to participate in high-quality music provision which is designed specifically with their needs in mind: “The sessions benefit her confidence, passion for music, mental health & her self-esteem” (OTB Carer) “Inclusive, friendly, helpful sessions that I really look forward to attending” (Baybeat participant) “He has loved being with friends, playing music & performing on stage” (UB parent) “I enjoy the camaraderie. Baybeat is literally the highlight of my week & I am so overwhelmingly proud to be part of the band.” (Baybeat participant) On The Beat, Unique Beatz & Baybeat respond to feedback from participants & provide important opportunities for connection in a community that sometimes feel ignored. We’re asking for your support to ensure these sessions can thrive & so we can keep offering high-quality inclusive musical experiences to the whole of our community.