News / music

Music charity launching an instrument appeal to benefit people at HMP Bristol

By Lowie Trevena  Tuesday Apr 21, 2020

Bristol-based charity Changing Tunes has been supporting prisoners at HMP Bristol, and further afield, for more than 30 years.

Changing Tunes uses music and mentoring to support prisoners and ex-prisoners to lead lives free from crime.

Normally, the charity’s musicians-in-residence lead sessions inside the prisons, but this has stopped since the Government lockdown.

Independent journalism
is needed now More than ever
Keep our city's journalism independent. Become a supporter member today.

In response, Changing Tunes is launching an urgent instrument appeal, to benefit participants at HMP Bristol, with a view to also help people across the country.

“As we can no longer deliver music sessions in person at HMP Bristol, we are now facilitating in-cell learning instead,” says Amelie Taylor, who works for the charity. “Prisoners will receive a resource pack from us, alongside an instrument in working order.

“This will mean they can continue developing musical skills, even with all the disruption that Covid-19 has brought to prison life.”

To make this happen, the charity needs instruments. Staff at Changing Tunes are asking the public to donate instruments, to sponsor a guitar – £60 will mean cover the cost of a guitar with a protective case, tuner and spare set of strings – and share the appeal across social media.

To find out more and support the charity, email info@changingtunes.org.uk or go to ww.changingtunes.org.uk/donate

Main photo: Changing Tunes

Read more: ‘Changing Tunes offered an escape from prison life’

Our top newsletters emailed directly to you
I want to receive (tick as many as you want):
I'm interested in (for future reference):
Marketing Permissions

Bristol24/7 will use the information you provide on this form to be in touch with you and to provide updates and marketing. Please let us know all the ways you would like to hear from us:

We will only use your information in accordance with our privacy policy, which can be viewed here - www.bristol247.com/privacy-policy/ - you can change your mind at any time by clicking the unsubscribe link in the footer of any email you receive from us, or by contacting us at meg@bristol247.com. We will treat your information with respect.


We use Mailchimp as our marketing platform. By clicking below to subscribe, you acknowledge that your information will be transferred to Mailchimp for processing. Learn more about Mailchimp's privacy practices here.

Bristol24/7 is an independent media outlet and community interest company. We're not owned by a large corporation and your contribution will help keep it this way. It will also help us grow and improve our content. By supporting us you will:
  • Support young people, charities and environmental projects in Bristol
  • Shape a Better Bristol
  • Enjoy exclusive perks
  • Comment on articles

Related articles

Choose payment frequency
Choose payment method
Credit/Debit
Apple Pay
Google Pay
By signing up to become a member you agree to our privacy policy and terms & conditions.
Fill in this form or email partnerships@bristol247.com and a member of the team will be in touch.
You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
Independent journalism
is needed now More than ever
You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
Join the Better
Business initiative
You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
* prices do not include VAT
You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
Enjoy delicious local
exclusive deals
You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
Wake up to the latest
Get the breaking news, events and culture in your inbox every morning