The idea
Provide SoundCafe over 48 weeks a year with additional supporting activity workshops. Within SCL we use arts, crafts poetry, prose and singing as a vehicle for guests to find their voice. This artistic work provides opportunities for all, breaking down barriers and giving a sense of self worth and belief.
SCL provides meaningful activities during the week for many who would otherwise be on the street. Extending our offering through additional weekly sessions and designated workshops will support our guests on their journey of transformation, we hope that they will:
• achieve a heightened sense of self-esteem – creativity driving the vision for change
• gain confidence as they develop new skills and showcase what they can achieve
• return to work/meaningful activities enhancing opportunities for change and equality in accessing employment or voluntary placements. Taking accountability for turning their lives around.
• engage positively with society and other partner agencies
What we'll deliver
- Guests report a gain in confidence as new skills are acquired and showcased as achievements
- Guests encouraged to return to work or meaningful activities
- Engage positively with society - so that society’s attitude towards homeless people will also be transformed
- Engage positively in relationships with others through mutual help and support
- Deliver extended opening of SoundCafe Leicester during 2019
- Provide a programme of arts, crafts & writing skills workshops across the year for guests of SoundCafe
Why it's a great idea
Homelessness is a complex issue and requires a multi-layered response. Previous surveys of people who are homeless have highlighted the need for meaningful daytime activities to help their mental health and engage with services to lift them out of homelessness.
This project addresses the need for such activities; in supporting our guests find their voice through artistic expression and pastoral support can help them engage in their community. For people who are homeless and isolated engaging with service providers can be a major hurdle. Providing clarity on what is available; how to engage positively; being respectful to one another as part of the SoundCafe family; and being realistic on what we can/cannot influence has been key to the success of our work to date.
Our objectives within SCL are clearly aligned to the values of Leicester City Council, namely confidence, clarity, respectfulness, fairness and accountability.
Steps to get it done
- SoundCafe Open Extended weeks (x6) for 2019 - agree the calendar of dates by 31.12.18
- Deliver Activity based Workshops (x4)
- Appoint a choir lead for SCL and deliver a Spring & Autumn choral event open to the public
SoundCafe is unique in providing a safe creative space away from the challenges faced by guests. We know we cannot resolve the challenges, but we can help address issues of low self esteem and confidence; isolation and providing a 'SoundCafe family' support network. We equally provide a 'voice' for those who are homeless, vulnerable and isolated, raising awareness hoping to shape future service provision. Our weekly service is to provide art and crafts, music and prose. We are using art, music and poetry to tell personal and unique stories that both help our guests and raise awareness. Providing meaningful daytime activities that develop new skills but also help guests believe in themselves and future possibilities. The sessions are shaped by the guests and we encourage guest leadership.
SoundCafe equally raises the issues surrounding homelessness and how communities can positively engage to make a differenecto the lives of others.
