Track will use song-writing and music-making to build trust, confidence, belief and skills for learning and life with care experienced and looked after young people in Scotland. Using their innate creativity we will support children from chaotic backgrounds to unlock, celebrate and amplify their potential.
In Scotland, young people in care have the worst rates of suicide, mental health, employment, homelessness and incarceration. Their outcomes are so poor that the First Minister has confirmed a root and branch review of the whole system to halt this downward spiral. These young people are far removed from the very creative opportunities that could boost their health and well-being, support their social and emotional development and introduce positive new options for learning and for life.
'Track' will use the proven benefits of the arts to improve confidence, well-being and creativity as well as life choices and chances. It will improve training and skills for work in the creative industries, supporting pathways into further or higher education, work experience or business start-up. With 'Track', Articulate aims to put the arts at the heart of the lives of some of the most marginalised young people in Scotland and help them enjoy and realise their creative potential.
Research has shown there are benefits to engagement in music, including boosts for language and literacy, academic learning and creativity. Studies also show music projects for looked-after children can develop resilience in challenging situations, improve negotiating skills, co-operative working and learning to trust others. It can support healing for those who have been traumatised, boost self-esteem and identity, and can also simply provide a chance for troubled young people to have fun.
