CHILDREN affected by sexual exploitation will be among those to take part in a new music programme which will see them composing and recording their own tracks.

Charity Barnardo’s is starting a new music project for children from across the Tees Valley, including Darlington.

It will run from next month until June 2020 and will consist of 12-week music programmes in each area.

Almost 50 ‘hard to reach’ youngsters who have experienced or are at risk of exploitation, have learning difficulties, are in care or at risk of going missing from home, will be taking part in the project.

Barnardo’s will visit schools to work with pupils and explore different musical genres, give them the chance to try out various instruments and develop their understanding of rhythm, structure and melody.

At the end of the project a concert will be put on for families to showcase what the youngsters have learned during their time being involved with the project.

Elizabeth Phillips, Children’s Services Manager Barnardo’s Tees Valley services, said: “We are very excited be starting this project.

“We want to help young people express their feelings and emotions through music, and through that increase their confidence and aspirations.

“We will work locally to reach young people who don’t normally have access to music programmes and it is no exaggeration to say that the programme could be life altering for young people.”

Barnardo’s partner Apollo Arts, which is delivering the programme, is a local creative education company, delivering a huge range of arts, music, sport, dance and media workshops across the region.

Youth Music is funding the project. The charity supports music-making projects for children and young people (aged 0-25) experiencing challenging circumstances.

They work collaboratively to transform music education in England, funding projects for children and young people who face barriers to making music as a result of who they are, where they live, or their circumstances.

Picture: Gavin Whitner / musicoomph.com