Providing stability at a time of uncertainty

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Music 4 U, which has been supported by the National Lottery, has been an operating charity for 15 years, educating children from five years old to 18 in the performing arts.

Debra says: “Trying to stay positive hasn’t been the easiest but we’ve done it. We’ve tried to keep the belief going. We’ve been telling them that this won’t last forever and we’ll be together again on stage for sure.

She adds: “There have been so many things. We put together a ‘Feel good Friday’ which was streamed live on a Friday night on our Facebook page.

The performances were pre-recorded by whoever was appearing that week and we always had a guest on to chat live with them.”

Debra says a personal highlight was seeing one student who seldom reacted much, begin to interact with facial expressions and movement, dance and choreography and drama.

She says: “We’ve seen a completely different character come out of him. That will stick in my mind for a long time.”

The school also runs a programme called IPADS, for young people aged 16 plus, many who aren’t capable of holding down work or remaining in higher education.

The charity is just one of the many charities supported by The National Lottery with players contributing around £30 million a week to good causes.

Its support has included a scheme that has brought music into care homes, respite homes, and children’s hospices, as well as a musical drop-in centre.

Meanwhile, its latest project has been a musical in book form, called ‘You’ve Got A Friend In Me’ which allows those that are isolated, shy or lacking in confidence to come forward and gain confidence in performing.

Music 4 U received a National Lottery grant worth £46,465 in 2018 which has supported the charities Music 4 Communities project. This project allowed them to bring Music to the lives of those who struggled to access performances such as those living in residential homes, care homes, respite and rehabilitation centres and children’s hospices. The grant also allowed Music 4 U to set up a Music Café for young people with additional support needs to help with social isolation and to encourage interaction and the opportunity to become involved with live music.

Talking of her bench dedicated to her by the players of The National Lottery, Debra said: “To be honest, I can’t really believe I have been recognised in this way. The first thing that comes into my head is ‘why’? I see amazing people doing amazing things every day and think ‘what have I done that is more recognisable than what they have done’, and that’s the truth.

“I love what I do, I’m passionate about it and it’s a labour of love. To be recognised like this, I can’t really find words. I can only share it with everyone else that has made it possible and makes up what we are. Thank you to everyone who plays the National Lottery for supporting our work and enabling us to share the joy of music in a time when it’s needed most.”

Jay Blades said: “Like most of us, I have witnessed inspirational acts of selflessness and kindness this year as people have adapted their lives to help others. It has been an honour hearing about the stories of the 13 people whose work is being honoured with a bespoke bench being placed in their local area.”

Dawn Austwick, CEO of The National Lottery Community Fund said: “For 25 years The National Lottery has helped make amazing things happen, but never in such extraordinary times. People and communities have found themselves facing myriad challenges and pressures but have still found the passion and drive to support each other in so many ways. These bespoke community benches are a fitting tribute and show that their incredible work has not gone unnoticed and is in fact recognised, valued and inspiring others more than ever before.”