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Youth music project in deprived area gets funding

Martin Heath
BBC News, Northamptonshire
Kam Parmar Kam Parmar and Reuben Harris, both wearing caps (Mr Parmar's is green while Mr Harris's is grey). They are wearing dark tops and trousers and Mr Parmar has a blue lanyard. They are standing in front of an elaborate mural which includes an orange snake as well as the black logo of The Compound. There is a blue sofa in the foreground.Kam Parmar
Kam Parmar and Reuben Harris run the programme

A project designed to help young people express themselves and improve their wellbeing through music is getting thousands of pounds of funding.

The Compound, in Wellingborough, is receiving £18,000 from the Northamptonshire Serious Violence Prevention Partnership (NSVPP).

People who take part in the programme can produce music, write songs and learn to DJ.

The Compound is also using the money to run sessions at local primary schools.

The Compound was set up in 2013 in the Hemmingwell estate in Wellingborough, one of the most deprived areas in the county.

It aims to "give people of all ages, backgrounds and ethnicity a chance to take part in physical and mental training".

The seven-week programme offers them the chance to write and record their own songs as well as learning to DJ.

At the end, each participant can take home a finished track and a certificate as well as getting a chance to perform live at a local venue.

The funding from the NSVPP will also help The Compound visit local primary schools to run sessions on music productions, songwriting and DJing.

The NSVPP includes councils, the emergency services, youth offending teams and the probation service.

Kam Parmar Kamlesh Parmar wearing a dark cap and fleece top standing in front of a desk at which Reuben Harris is sitting, wearing a green cap and dark top. He is moving a mouse attached to a computer screen showing blocks of colour. A "music life" logo is visible to the right. There are speakers in the corner of the wall and a window looking out onto metal fencing.Kam Parmar
Kam Parmar (left) got lottery funding for a music studio in 2023

Kamlesh Parmar, who founded The Compound, said: "It has been truly amazing being able to work with the youngsters during this project, it's so rewarding seeing them enjoy and express themselves through Music, not only have we inspired them, but they have also inspired us.

"We have been exposed to so much potential and talented young people.

"Despite the challenges and hardships they have faced in life, the desire to do well and succeed has been evident. It has been one of the best projects I've been involved in."

Google Road on an estate with brick-built flats in the background. There is a white railing and a path leading down to a square in which a building with a blue entrance cover is visible. Google
The Compound is based on the Hemmingwell estate in Wellingborough

A spokesperson for North Northamptonshire Council said: "These activities will help to build resilience and self-confidence, and this investment focuses on preventing violence before it happens.

"Engaging with young people at the earliest opportunity allows them to be diverted away from crime and serious violence and instead make positive choices for themselves and their communities."

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