The context:​

Culture Shift has delivered Voices from the Edges (VFTE) in Newhaven since 2022, with the project developing through a co-design process and feedback from the young participants (aged 11-18) we have worked with, guided by the learning and practice developed through 10 years of working with and supporting the learning disabled band, Delta 7 (click here for more information on Delta 7). VFTE builds on the inclusive practice and success of Delta 7, to ensure that other young people who feel ‘outside’ or ‘different’ can experience music as a powerful, positive tool for self-expression and advocacy. 

 

Research continues to evidence the positive effect of music in reducing social isolation and improving mental health (ESCC, 2023) and VFTE was developed to provide opportunities to access music in some of the most deprived areas in Sussex. The communities in these locations are known to have high levels of economic and social deprivation, with high rates of crime, poverty and unemployment. Neighborhoods in Newhaven are more deprived compared to the majority of other English neighborhoods (English indices of deprivation 2025) and feature as one of the top most dangerous small towns and in the top 20 most dangerous towns, cities and villages in East Sussex (Crime Rate 2024). From our experience as part of the Youth Partnership Forum in Newhaven, we know that opportunities for enriching community engagement are increasingly limited. Without accessible, positive outlets for self-expression, young people may experience low confidence, social isolation, and a lack of aspiration, which can contribute to disengagement from education and an increased risk of antisocial behavior.  We know through our track record of working in schools and colleges across Sussex, that the young people living in these specific areas have less access to creative opportunities than those living in other neighboring, more affluent areas. This project seeks to redress the imbalance.
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The programme aims to:

 

• support young people in deprived areas of Sussex to access opportunities to create original music through playing instruments, singing, songwriting, production and live performance.

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• support young people aged 11- 18 to increase self-confidence, self-advocacy, build social connections and develop music making skills.

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• write original music and co-design accompanying art work and resources, and provide opportunities for live performances that showcase local talent.

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Project impact in 2025:​​

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• 30 group music sessions delivered

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• 63 young people aged 11-18 participated

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• 2 live performances attended by over of 500 people

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• 12 original songs were created, recorded and made available via Soundcloud, with a songbook featuring lyrics, artwork and photography printed and available as a digital download

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• 98% of young people who attended on a regular basis (ie more than 60% of the sessions) rated their experience of the sessions as 5 out of 5.

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• 100% of young people who gave feedback said that participation had been enjoyable and that they had learned new skills, developed existing skills or increased their confidence.

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• 100% of staff and project supporters (mainly family members) who gave feedback said that the impact of the sessions was visible and they should continue.

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‘Fingers crossed there are more opportunities to run this project in 2026. It is so important for the young people of Newhaven. There is very little for them to access, especially music’

Parent of participant

 

‘What a great opportunity for young people, making music accessible! Loved hearing their voices both musically and lyrically. A lot of talented young people in Newhaven!’

 

‘Voices From The Edges sessions have been amazing, it was an amazing way to connect to new people and certainly grew my confidence with performing in front of people, voices from the edge made me even more sure of how I hope to pursue a career in music as it made me fall in love with it even more. It gave me something to look forward to every week and a time to express my creativity when college was too much.’

Jossy, Participant