Sing Up East Kent is a two-year programme that works with schools and communities across the areas of Kent, Shepway, Dover, Deal and Ashford.

The programme empowers participants and increases confidence in singing, creating cultural awareness, promoting social inclusion and enabling greater self expression.

Local themes and issues are addressed to provide long-lasting community singing activities, and also encourage existing singing groups to engage with their immediate surroundings.

One project provides opportunities for reluctant or nervous singers to take part in musical activities such as percussion and lyric writing by introducing more accessible singing styles, such as rap, beat box and even football chants.

Another approach encourages and develops cross-generational dialogue by sharing songs and memories learnt from friends and family.

Projects incorporate a range of singing styles that includes rap, MC, gospel and spirituals, southern African song, Caribbean calypso, Balkan and Bulgarian singing and English folk.

Sing Up East Kent collaborates with local schools, community groups and organisations like Kent Music and the Eastern and Coastal Kent Primary Care Trust. Wherever possible, their projects link with national awareness campaigns, such as Refugee Week.

For more information, contact Julie Larner, the Music for Change project development manager, on 01227 459 243.