20 April 2012
A South London music
charity can continue its good work keeping young people out of
gangs and crime - thanks to the financial help from the Charities
Aid Foundation (CAF) who stepped in to help after everyone else
said no.
The CAF Social Impact Fund has been described as a ‘financial
life-line’ by The Midi Music Company,
based in Deptford, South London, which helps 2,500
disadvantaged children and young people aged 5-30 every year get
inspired about music and its industry by offering a variety of
engaging courses.
The charity, whose patrons include musicians such as Jazzie B
OBE, Shovell and Normski, has received a loan of £36,000 from CAF
after being turned away by its local bank.
Jazzie B said, “Our children and young people are
disenfranchised and our work is more vital than ever. Our work
leads to careers in the creative and cultural industries, and has
inspired and supported many young people, some of whom may have
otherwise got involved in gang violence and crime.
He warned. “Now is not the time to be making cuts - just look at
the riots and youth unemployment figures.”
The charity has helped thousands of kids in Deptford since it
was established in 1995.
Oggie is one of MMC’s many success stories. He said, “Midi Music
Company has been an instrumental and positive support system
throughout my musical career, starting out as a Youth Steering
Committee member I was able to be a part of creating ideas that
have now helped many people pursue a great future in music. I
released my second Garage single ‘You’ with the support of MMC.
I'm currently in the West End Musical ‘Thriller Live’, and I
couldn't stress how important it is to have an organisation like
The Midi Music Company around as a great stepping stone and bridge
to the music industry.
Executive Director Wozzy Brewster, OBE was open about the tough
times the charity sector is currently facing.
She said, “I've been working in the sector for 30 years and
things have never been so tough financially - the funding landscape
for charities is in crisis. For the first time in our 17 year
history we have had problems with our cashflow and need financial
help.
Our local high street bank, where we've been a customer since we
were founded, would not help us. We tried all the Trusts and Grants
routes, but I could see that they are overwhelmed. The CAF Social
Impact Fund has provided our charity with a financial
life-line.”
The Midi Music Company is one of many charities, social
enterprises and community groups in the UK to have received loans
from the CAF Social Impact Fund since it was launched last
year.
Director of Social Investment at CAF, Stephanie Poole, says:
“The financial hardship faced by the Midi Music Company is by no
means unique. Increasingly, we’ve seen high street lenders turning
their backs on charities and social enterprises, just when they
need them most. But it’s an exciting time for social investment in
the UK and we’re proud that the CAF Social Impact Fund has been
able to help charities and social enterprises at a time of great
need.
“We’re calling on more individuals and businesses to explore the
potential of social investment to underpin and strengthen
communities and support vulnerable people across the UK and
beyond.”
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