LAB7 helps young people aged between 13-20 from disadvantaged and working class backgrounds in the Cardiff area, particularly those from minorities or those who are at risk of criminal exploitation. By breaking down barriers to creativity and providing a positive environment for them to grow and develop, they help young people to find a path into the creative industries.
They work at grassroots level reaching young people who are not currently engaged with any other services, as well as with people in the care or justice system. Through their love of music, young people are able to attend weekly sessions and find relatable and inspiring role models and mentors to work with, as well as build positive friendships with like-minded peers.
They provide finance for young people to access local music studios, working with studio engineers to provide safeguarding training and DBS checks to ensure safe environments. When people are unable to attend studios, they can also provide music equipment to use at home.
LAB7 also create opportunities for young people by exposing them to new experiences to help raise their aspirations. These can include the theatre and networking events, places they may not think there is a place for them or feel welcome. LAB7 show them that it is possible and that they are welcome in those spaces.
Each year, LAB7 plan an event for young people to showcase their skills and talents, inviting friends and family along, helping them to develop transferable skills and giving them experience of working with others, which builds their self-esteem and ambition.
Many of the young people LAB7 work with have had to ‘grow up quickly’ and have missed out on being young, so it’s important to provide them with a fun experience. They have already changed the lives and direction of the people they work with, and hope to grow and develop the project to reach more people who need it.
With a waiting list of young people wanting to join in, LAB7 are currently looking for funding that will enable them to run another weekly session. Costs include transport and food for the young people attending the sessions, as these are things that are often a barrier for them.
“We are extremely happy and grateful that you consider these young people worthy of supporting.
The young people we work with often live lives of conflict and uncertainty, this funding would help us continue to provide consistency and positivity in their lives. They are young people who are vulnerable and often overlooked because of their backgrounds.
Funding for this project could literally save a young persons life, and you are a part of it! Thank you so much for your support.”
“I really enjoyed meeting Toni and hearing more about LAB7. LAB7 is a small project that combines Toni’s extensive experience as a youth worker and her passion for music to provide flexible support and guidance to underprivileged and at-risk children and young people. LAB7 offers children and young people the opportunity to take part in positive social activities, express themselves creatively and make friends with like-minded people, which helps divert them from negative behaviours and friendships.”
Latest Project Updates
November 2023
£3,500 Granted
After employees at the John Good Group voted on their favourite causes, LAB7 were granted £3,500
October 2023
Grants for Good Finalist
LAB7 has become one of the top five finalists in the latest Grants for Good round, and will receive a grant between £2000 and £5000 after employees at the John Good Group have voted on their favourite causes.