The life-changing impact of a project for young people in Leamington was highlighted recently during a visit by Warwickshire's Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner, Emma Daniell.
For over 20 years, the Leamington Live Art and Music Project (LAMP), has proudly instigated initiatives and encouraged young people to develop skills and increase confidence, as well as provide a safe space for young people. It is one of the projects supported by the South Warwickshire Community Safety Partnership (CSP), utilising funding from Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Seccombe.
During the visit Emma spoke to several people including Director, Timothy Ellis, who was able to highlight how much impact the project has in changing young people's lives. He spoke about a mother who had written in to say how they had managed to save her child from a life of crime, simply by providing just a small amount of time and effort. Another young person who had never engaged in school, is now currently studying towards gaining their GCSEs thanks to the help and encouragement from LAMP.
Leamington LAMP is an art centre dedicated to working with young people. The daytime provision is called LAMP Learning and offers a bespoke education programme to each student. The award-winning school has built a reputation for working with young autistic people, some of whom suffer extreme anxiety.
In addition to the daytime provision LAMP also offers funded projects outside of school time in various artforms. The project, which the Police and Crime Commissioner provides funding for, is a partnership between Warwick and Stratford-on-Avon District Councils, offering diversionary activity in the arts and music.
The ethos that drives LAMP is that young people can achieve well and make positive contributions to society when given tailored activities and facilities to bring their creative ideas to life.
Emma Daniell, Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner said:
"I was delighted to be invited to visit Leamington LAMP to hear about some truly life changing work they're doing. It puts into perspective how important funding such as this is.
"These projects make such an impact on so many different lives: the young people themselves and their families but also and the wider community, which benefits from the work that they do to prevent young people becoming involved in crime or anti-social behaviour. I met some really inspirational people during the visit and it was gratifying to hear their personal stories.
"Community Safety Partnerships are well-placed to identify and encourage initiatives such as this and the Police and Crime Commissioner is pleased to be able to support them."
Cllr Natalie Gist, Chair of South Warwickshire Community Safety Partnership said:
"We are extremely proud of the work that LAMP carries out with young people to help them realise their potential through music and design.
The South Warwickshire Community Safety Partnership seeks to invest in young people and fund projects which not only supports them but also empowers them throughout their lives. Investing in young people at this important stage in their lives helps to ensure that they feel valued, stay in education and face a bright future with confidence. LAMP are a vital partner in providing opportunities to young people in Stratford-on-Avon and Warwick districts"
Timothy Ellis frsa, Leamington LAMP Director said:
"Young people need to be taken seriously and have their ideas listened to and actioned. That way they are more likely to be happy, and that's the bottom line for us!"
You can find out more about the work of Leamington LAMP here.
