Social Impact / Bristol Charity Advent Calendar 2021
Bristol Charity Advent Calendar 2021, Day 8: Changing Tunes
The mission of Changing Tunes was instigated when founder Richard Pendlebury saw the potentially groundbreaking results of music-making for the residents of Horfield Prison in 1987.
Over 30 years later, whilst the charity’s reach has grown to over 18 locations across the south west, their commitment to improving the lives and prospects for offenders in the Bristol and beyond remains the same.
Through a combination of music and mentoring, Changing Tunes’ ethos is “to help offenders lead meaningful, crime free lives”.
is needed now More than ever
The charity strives to achieve this through the running of music rehabilitation programmes in prisons, young offender institutions, secure children’s homes and post-release hubs, with the aim to ultimately help develop people’s potential and life chances.
HMP Bristol (formerly Horfield Prison) is the site where the positive effect of music-making was first recognised – photo by Changing Tunes
Long-standing partners of the organisation include HMP Bristol, HMP Eastwood YOI, HMP Leyhill, HMP Ashfield and Vinney Green Secure Children’s Home.
According to the charity, the reoffending rate of participants of their musical rehabilitation projects is just 3.3%, compared to the current national reoffending rate of 48%.
As well as desistance from crime, Changing Tunes’ pioneering work for offenders helps to “support their self-esteem, confidence, well being, mental health and personal agency”.
https://twitter.com/ChangingTunesSW/status/1467853872156889104
One former participant said: “Learning a musical instrument is fun and engaging, and the support, reliability, dedication and stimulation offered by Changing Tunes is worth far more than the sum of its parts. The employability skills are also incredibly useful. Examples include critical and creative thinking, confidence, presenting and communication.”
In recent news, Changing Tunes is developing a hub for specifically female and non-binary identifying ex-residents of prisons in Bristol, providing group and one-on-one music sessions to “safely nurture social inclusion and belonging”.
To support the Changing Tunes, visit https://www.changingtunes.org.uk/Appeal/httpschangingtuneseuritorgukdonate
Main photo: Changing Tunes
Read more: Changing Tunes offered an escape from prison life
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