Soundabout, the charity that helps Disabled children and adults with complex support needs to gain confidence and enjoyment through musical activities, has achieved truly remarkable results with the support of Charles Plater Trust funding.
In its final progress report, the charity reveals that in three years it has managed to grow its Oxford & Beyond Choir to more than 200 members, including learning disabled children, their families, charity volunteers and members of the community.
Parents have seen their children transformed by the sharing of music, each child contributing in their own way according to their own abilities, either in person or online. The choir has conducted 24 sessions with an average of 30 participants at a time, illustrating just how popular it has become.
With the emphasis on inclusivity and respect for the dignity of the individual regardless of disability, the choir empowers children to express themselves joyfully through singing, vocalisation, playing instruments, moving and dancing. Soundabout’s philosophy is rooted in inclusivity, accessibility and a belief in the power of music to bring people together and foster a closer sense of community.
The dedicated Soundabout staff team and volunteers – which includes some of the children who’ve benefited from the charity’s Emerging Leaders program - has enabled the choir to make several recordings and even compose their own songs. An example of one of the choir's original compositions is here: https://youtu.be/-gzFG_cIkzg?feature=shared
And the ensemble has performed at various events, such as the Great Barn Festival and the Charles Plater Trust Awards Ceremony. These public performances have given many of the children greater confidence and self-belief, the charity says.
Soundabout puts great emphasis on building confidence and self-esteem, so its Emerging Leaders program has been a cornerstone of the charity’s mission since inception. Ten young people completed the program in 2023/4, learning how to become music leaders and earning a Bronze Arts Award. The program involves skill development, goal setting, and practical experience, culminating in a graduation ceremony that celebrates their achievements.
One parent of an Emerging Leader said: “The Emerging Leaders group has really helped her to grow in confidence. She now contributes readily to group discussions rather than just observing. The discussions and activities are very thoughtfully prepared to be accessible on all levels.”
The charity hopes that by giving these young people confidence, future employers and society at large, will learn to see past the disability and to what these children can truly offer.
What has really impressed Charles Plater Trust Trustees is the meticulous care with which Soundabout records the progress of each child and ensures that each activity is tailored to meet their specific needs and abilities. This person-centred approach ensures that everyone feels that they belong and can share in activities.
And it is the impact the charity’s work has on the families of the children – as well as on the children themselves – that is so inspiring. The mother of a child called Maisy gave this moving testimony:
“Maisy is mostly housebound now during the winter months due to recurrent infections, so she misses out on so many festivities. These online sessions have become her lifeline, helping her to still be a part of the outside world and the things she enjoys.
“Her health is deteriorating, but knowing that opportunities are still there for her to interact with others and give her the quality of life I’ve always strived to give her means the absolute world.”
Soundabout is committed to expanding its reach; fundraising to sustain and grow its programs; and ensuring that more Learning Disabled people can benefit from the joy and empowerment music brings.
The charity’s choir, Emerging Leaders, and Song Explorers programs have clearly had a profoundly positive impact on the lives of Learning Disabled children and their families. The Charles Plater Trust has been proud to support Soundabout in its valuable work.
