WELCOME TO MUSIC RELIEF
FOUNDATION
Music Relief Foundation (MRF) is a community charity — we are the leading voice for young people and empower grassroots communities.
ABOUT MUSIC RELIEF FOUNDATION
The Music Relief Foundation (MRF) was founded in 2011 by Magdalene Usikaro, it was registered as a Company Limited by Guarantee in Jan. 2015 and finally received charity status in October 2019. The charity was inspired by Magdalene’s first-hand experience of the hardships, isolation and challenges faced as a teenage parent.
The charity started with an initial target audience of teenage mums, bringing them together to share their experiences. It became a place where young mothers could find refuge, receive counselling and make friends. Furthermore, MRF provided a platform to channel their creativity and help build their confidence. The scope of the charity widened and this led to reaching more young people. Responding to the challenges young people face today, through its various campaigns the charity has addressed issues such as knife crime, mental health, safeguarding, sexual exploitation and trafficking.
OUR MISSION
To empower and develop the potential of young people and their families using the medium of music. Through music, we aim to improve the wellbeing of individuals through increased resilience, confidence and hope.
OUR VISION
To provide a range of opportunities to young people through music, partnering with different bodies to secure funding.
OUR VALUES
1. Opening up opportunities to unleash creative spirits.
2. Providing a nurturing environment.
3. Offering a platform for youth voices to be heard.
We achieve this by focusing on the following areas:
Learning and making music
Addressing youth issues
Engaging with the community
WHAT WE OFFER
The MRF Music School
The MRF Music School is the UK’s only vibrant grassroots community music school. It is specifically targeted at young people and families from grassroots communities. Our sessions are up to an hour a day for ten weeks per term. Tuition can start when children are five years old to adulthood (any age). We cater to home-schooled children and children in school or pupil referral units (PRU). Whether you are a beginner or otherwise, our doors are open. Our prices are reasonable and accessible.
Family and community
As a community charity, we understand the need to provide holistic support for young people and their families. This is why we are constantly striving to provide this, especially via our community music school, which is for children, young people and adults. Check out our upcoming events:
⬤ Pre-register for our Enriching Lives Holiday Club and put your child’s name on our waiting list
⬤ An Evening With is a series of quarterly events with dynamic guests to inspire, entertain, perform and provide an opportunity to network. With guests such as Fiona Ross, Big Mama Aydenne Simone, Neil ‘Mad Professor’ Fraser and Dele Sosimi, among others
⬤ MRF Winter Ball Awards Ceremony
⬤ Afterschool club maths and English support – Register your interest
⬤ Drop-in sessions meet every Friday from 10am to 2pm. They provide support on mental health, food, fuel poverty, benefits, etc
Schools
We have worked with several schools, first in Islington and now more frequently in Croydon. Our school’s services are split into three strands:
⬤ More Than Able — a youth leadership programme;
⬤ Fencing — an after school club activity in primary schools;
⬤ My Life, My Purpose — a mentoring programme.
Music Relief helps us to go to places that as young people we would not usually go to, to help us see a different life
JOSH, MRF AMBASSADOR
THE LORD NAPIER COMMUNITY MUSIC HUB
We could not have anticipated the growth and success that our Music School has had, and now we have outgrown our space. We are doing all we can; however, we are struggling to fit in new classes to accommodate beginners and have a growing waiting list. The space is just too small, with one activity room to run over 20 courses. Therefore, we are on a mission to move into Lord Napier, a former legendary jazz venue, and transform it into a music-community hub to serve our wider community.
WHO WE ARE
DONATE
No matter how big or small the amount, all donations are welcome. Your contribution will go towards the growth of the Music School and the projects we are currently working on.
JOIN THE MRF FAMILY
VOLUNTEER & FUNDRAISE
We’re always looking for keen and reliable volunteers to support our various work areas. In return, you will be able to develop your skills, meet new people and work as a part of a team.
WORK PLACEMENT
We can accommodate students for work experience and have previously welcomed students from Croydon College, Newham College, Greenwich University and Impact Futures.
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