A Stoke-on-Trent-based music project will continue to bring youngsters together thanks to funding from the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Proceeds of Crime Fund.
Established in 1998, Madula aims to unite young people through music, promoting a sense of community and equality whilst providing the opportunity to learn new skills.
A £3,400 grant has been given to the project to host after-school workshops at Clarice Cliff Primary School in Fenton and St Luke’s Primary School in Silverdale.
PCC Matthew Ellis is ensuring that 100 per cent of funding received by Staffordshire Police from proceeds of crime seizures is going back to local communities.
The Proceeds of Crime Fund (formerly known as the Local Policing fund) is supporting projects in conjunction with local policing teams and local authorities. It is made up of assets and money seized by police from criminals in Staffordshire under the Proceeds of Crime Act. Staffordshire Police continues to robustly strip criminals of their assets – hitting them where it hurts.
Mr Ellis said: “For the first time, 100 per cent of funding that comes back to Staffordshire Police from proceeds of crime seizures is going directly to local communities.
“Projects like these provide a great platform for children to engage with people they may not meet in their everyday lives.
“These workshops give positive experiences which help build relationships and prevent problem behaviour.”
Madula plans to perform live shows throughout 2014 showcasing the group’s talents in the local community. Last year, the project performed at the Six Towns Carnival in Hanley.
Will Sherratt, Madula’s Project Co-ordinator, is passionate about the project and its benefits, he said: “I spent many years in West Africa, what I noticed there was that people from all backgrounds and ages came together and played the drums.
“Everyone was involved regardless of skill and that’s what I wanted to bring back to the UK. The drums are a great vehicle for it, in terms of learning culture and getting people to work together.
“This fund enables us to give young people the chance to learn both teamwork and musical skills and how to apply themselves over a period of time.
“Our sessions will lead to performances in the community as well, where the young people will be able to show their skills to the community and to show themselves in a positive light. We are able to do all of this due to the funding received, and most of these young people would not get the chance otherwise.”
Bids for funding from the PCC’s Proceeds of Crime Fund had to demonstrate a clear connection with reducing crime and fit into one of the Commissioner’s four priority areas: intervening early, putting victims first, preventing offender and re-offending, and improving public confidence.
For more details on Madula contact Will Sherratt on
07751 312727 or visit www.madula.org.uk.
