A CHARITY based in Bude which supports young people through music is calling for support as it approaches its 25th anniversary.

In 2000, local author Judyth Gwynne had a conversation with her then adolescent child who explained that ‘music saved my life’. It was this small clue demonstrating the power of music, and its ability to increase communication that led Judyth to start investigating the subject, leading her into the field of therapy through music.

With this, Sound Waves South West (SWSW) was born. Soon, a committee was established, and they had already decided to employ qualified music therapists to send into schools to provide music therapy.

The charity hit the ground running, with Judyth leading the team until she retired in 2017. Janet Ash took over, turning the SWSW charity into a CIO (charitable incorporated organisation), with the aim to “advance in South West England public education in music, drama and dance, and the relief of sickness through the provision of music, drama and dance therapies”.

Now, the organisation works in four areas, all of which use the power of music to reach children; music therapy, an instrument loan scheme, school workshops, and youth awards.

SWSW funds professional music therapists to support children with complex needs, particularly those with communication challenges such as autism.

The body’s instrument loan scheme was set up by Maggie Perryman, headteacher at Morwenstow Primary School. She created a substantial collection of quality musical instruments that the charity loans, on pay by donation basis, to children who wish to take up the adventure of music, but where their school or their parents are unable to fund the purchase.

On top of this, SWSW arranges musical workshops in local schools.

A spokesperson from the charity explained: “We recognise that, living where we do, many miles from recognised cultural centres such as Truro, Exeter or Bristol, many local children, especially those in their early years, rarely get the opportunity to experience the talents of world class musicians. Accordingly, once a year we organise and fund a series of musical workshops in which talented groups of performers give short performances in each of a dozen or so local schools.”

Finally, the organisation even awards annual prizes to young people who have excelled in their music, especially if they have had difficulties and have contributed to music in the community.

Now, 25 years on from its creation, the charity is calling for local support in order to keep its work going

A spokesperson said: “Fund raising is clearly getting harder and harder, and it takes dedicated time and effort to succeed. You can help by for example becoming a “friend” and donating a small amount from time to time. You can also support the local societies and organisations that take collections on our behalf.

“If you register for Easyfundraising via: www.easyfundraising.org.uk, then select Sound Waves South West as the charity to support, a proportion of the amount you spend will be transferred to SWSW at regular intervals.”