The charity supporting young carers in Wrexham, Credu, have been able to buy silent disco equipment that’s proved popular with young carers, thanks to funding by the Shared Prosperity Fund – Wrexham Key Fund Administered through Cadwyn Clwyd and AVOW.
In a joint bid with Wrexham’s Flamingo Lounge inclusive nightclub, they secured £2,339.70 funding to pay for the Silent Disco equipment.
It was the young carers themselves, who range from 5 years old to 18 years old, that wanted to add a silent disco to the range of activities offered by the charity.
Credu’ Lead Outreach Worker in Wrexham, Leanne Jeffreys, explains more, “The young carers had the idea after they attended the All Wales Young Carers Festival at the end of August. They had a silent disco at the festival, and absolutely loved it. They could control their own music and the volume of their headset.
“When we got back, they all thought it would be amazing if we could add this to the activities that we offer in Wrexham. The bid for the funding was driven by the young carers, and they were the ones that identified the need for it.”
They now have 50 headsets and three transmitter and have been able to offer family and young carers’ events.
Leanne added, “These events offer an opportunity for the young carers to escape, relax and make friends. As well as a monthly inclusive disco in Ellesmere, we’ve had all sorts of special events, such as a lovely inter-generation silent disco with music to appeal to the different generations – from 60s, to Classical to current TikTok hits.”
“What is also special is that we have a Silent Disco Production team – and these are the group of young carers that are managing and running these events. Having this responsibility teaches them new technical and presenting skills, as well as boosting their confidence.”
One young carer that is part of the production team is 16-year-old Lacie.
Leanne said, “Lacie has played a key role in the development of this project, learning very quickly the process of setting up the transmitters and the headphones as well as the important task of arranging young person appropriate play lists that can be used in sessions.
“We have seen the progression both in Lacie’s confidence and her interpersonal skills as she has learnt to break down the steps in operating the headphones so that all abilities are able to understand, and everyone has the chance to enjoy the experience.
“Feedback on the Silent Disco has been very positive and a large part of this is due to Lacie’s ability to explain how to use the equipment, as well as her patience.”
Lacie added, “The silent disco has been an inclusive way for people to enjoy their love of music.
“It has boosted my confidence and I have learnt a lot of new skills from it. It has given me the confidence to speak to people more.”
The funding is being administered in partnership between Cadwyn Clwyd and AVOW, as part of a £4.75 million wider package to support communities and businesses in North East Wales.
Helen Williams, Project Officer at Cadwyn Clwyd said, “cwot gan Cadwyn Clwyd”
“Cadwyn Clwyd and AVOW through the UK Shared prosperity fund are delighted to be able to provide funding to worthy groups within Wrexham and we wish Credu and everyone involved in the project every success in the future”.
The funding is part of the UK Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund, which will have provided £2.6 billion funding for local investment across the UK by the end of this year.
For more information about Cadwyn Clwyd please visit https://cadwynclwyd.co.uk.
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