About
Introduction
In 2016 Safety In Music was born out of the rise of internationally inspired extremism - platforms and methods used by extreme groups to sell propaganda, recruit and radicalise vulnerable young people and adults via high tech videos, games, music, magazines and newsletters.
We now address wider issues affecting the UK, Europe and the globe by using the art and power of music, lyrics, dance, video and gaming production with key industry leaders and highly skilled practitioners to deliver unique workshops, which address gangs, youth violence, hate crime, radicalisation, terrorism and early intervention prevention models.
History
We piloted the original idea in Kirklees with the 'Prevent' scheme in 2016 and worked with a group of young people who were vulnerable. They were using many social media platforms daily to connect with their peers and the wider web world, through music and uploading videos to YouTube. They were aspiring to be like those who had gone down pathways of criminal means to acquire a certain lifestyle. We observed them at a community street level and explored their online platforms (in partnership with the young people and consent from their guardians of course).
What transpired was of concern. So we wanted to implement early intervention and prevention models to engage them safely. We used a non-threatening and non-judgemental perspective. The observations allowed us to deliver a cohort of workshops using music, resources and equipment they connected with on a daily basis. We successfully engaged them, empowering them to think about their online and offline world, risks associated with the platforms they were using, how they were profiling and connecting and what this meant in terms of their digital foot print.
They where given the opportunity to test drive music, lyrics, gaming production and filming equipment and develop counter narrative social media music videos. The group were 14 and 15 years old at the time and all members went on to reach their full potential through post 16 education, apprenticeships and student jobs.
What We Do
We are committed to investing in music, dance, film and game making projects that help children, young people and adults develop their skills and knowledge from key leaders in the industry. Our safeguarding practitioners safely guide young people and adults through these platforms to critically address extreme material and produce counter narratives.
We create a safe space to challenge drugs, hate crime, gangs, radicalisation and extremism. Through these creative mediums we give industry links, develop powerful counter narratives and lifelong skills.
We work particularly with those who don’t get the opportunity to make music, write lyrics, produce films or games because of who they are, where they live, or what they’re going through. We cover all possible genres, styles and techniques - everyone has the ability to make music, videos and games. They simply need support and guidance to discover what works best for them.
We teach tolerance and respect, through studying different genres of music, videos, gaming and social media platforms.
We look at the use of media and social media platforms and how extreme groups were and are using music, Islamic nasheeds, games, videos and social media, political and ideological links. We also address youth gang violence concerns arising in the UK and beyond.
Our violence prevention models are based on tried and tested violence prevention models which were used in the 70’s & 80’s, through music and video production, street dance and other related art forms.
We support children, young people and adults to build their confidence, resilience, and self-esteem. To meet people from diverse backgrounds, learn to trust each other, and make friends. To develop vital skills they need, get support to be able to face the world, and take control of their own lives, engage, empower, raise aspirations and educate.
Safety In music engages students through the power of music from youth to adults, beginners to those who wish to acquire a high level of musicality. If you’re a youth group, school, college, university, youth offending services, probation, prisons, local authorities, health services & any other org/group and think your group or organisation can benefit from a powerful project please get in touch.
Safety In Music CIC. Company Number: 12647639
