Music Referral Unit

We were late in the project to start these sessions at the Wave Academy Pupil Referral Unit in Dartington because the staff needed use of the space we usually used (thanks to covid restrictions). We’re part way through the term and are so glad to have got it all going as it’s so needed. Plus the team was so happy to have us in. We followed their advice to move the sessions from Monday to Wednesday mornings which worked well for the young people as they get more into the swing of things by mid week. I’m sure we all know that feeling of being dragged out of a comfy bed into an institutional space on a Monday morning when it’s hard enough already to face the world, amped up by the harshness of rush hour traffic of aspirational parents and workers keen to get somewhere.

These young people have been through so much in their short lives already, having left school early, having big challenges at home or with their peers, feeling misunderstood, and the rest.

My understanding of PRU’s is that they are a place for young people to find their way back into the world. A safe place to meet caring adults who can hold boundaries and help them to grow more positively. Ryan, who delivers these sessions, said “most of the time they come in, sit in the corner demanding that someone bring them salami and crisps, then proceed to throw it around the room”, with a chuckle. 

He shared with us how well a recent session went. With the session broken down into two slots that enabled the participants to get more time 1:1 and in smaller groups, there was first a group of 7 boys in the first session, and then 3 girls and 2 more boys in the second. Everybody was engaged. He said “even when one boy didn’t get his hands on the gear he was involved in the lyrics we were writing together. We made a rap about the school. We made beats. The TRA was so easy to engage them with”.

This work brings some kind of lift to the week at the PRU. That’s why they want us in on Wednesday we reckon. It can break the week up. To bring something different, perhaps more youth centered than usual activities. Especially with our young music leader, Alhor, on board. He’s lived and experienced a lot in his 20 years and somehow brings this work as easy as passing a butter dish. It’s great that they are able to choose it, and to come and go. This way it comes from them and isn’t piled on top of them like education can so often feel.

These young people travel into this centre village from miles around, some from remote and isolated parts of Devon. Ryan watched one morning as a child younger than 10 was scanned for knives. It felt bleak. 

This is an opportunity we have to offer them something unique.