Major boost for youth music program

A Central Coast youth charity is singing a new tune after receiving $90,000 from the Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation to launch an innovative music program.

Later this year Gosford-based Musicians Making a Difference (MMAD) will start delivering Rewriting Futures, a 10-week program for young people aged between 15 and 24 who are at risk or have already disengaged from education and employment.

In twice-weekly three-hour sessions, participants will receive music education alongside personalised mentoring to develop emotional intelligence, practical life skills and personal growth.

Across four school terms 100 young people will be engaged in Rewriting Futures.

MMAD Interim CEO Anna Hohenboken said Rewriting Futures had extraordinary potential.

“When you reach a young person through music and support them with confidence and life skills, there’s no limit to what they can achieve,” she said.

“There’s also a ripple effect, where positive changes in a young person’s life often create positive changes in their home, and for their family, friends and community.

“We’re so excited to get Rewriting Futures underway and are thrilled to have Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation along for the journey.

“Our purpose at Musicians Making A Difference (MMAD) is to inspire young people to make positive choices so they can find their place in the world,” she said.

“We believe that every young person deserves someone who believes in them, and with this funding, our team is empowered to reach young people across the Central Coast who are vulnerable or who need someone to believe in them.”

Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation Executive Officer Carly Bush said music was a wonderful unifier.