SFE Fundraising Manager, Sarah Caldwell, discusses SFE’s new #SFECan Campaign and how it links to our charitable projects.

As well as the work we do delivering music lessons in schools, as a registered charity, Services For Education (SFE) works hard to provide opportunities for people from all backgrounds to engage in music activities, free of charge.

This year, as part of #SFECan, we are launching our #MusicCan fundraising campaign. Behind the campaign and really at the heart of what we do at Services For Education, are the following statements.

#SFECan change lives through the power of music and learning.

#MusicCan create opportunities

#MusicCan bring people together

#MusicCan bring joy

#MusicCan build confidence

#MusicCan remove barriers

But this isn’t just an SFE campaign. #YouCan change lives through the power of music too, by supporting SFE’s Music Projects.

You will see these statements and our hashtags echoed across our platforms in the coming months. Help us to share our message and continue to transform the lives of those we support.

If you’d like to get involved, email me at sarah.caldwell@servicesforeducation.co.uk or you can donate here or via the individual projects highlighted below.

Our work is vast, and reaches city-wide, and below is a small snapshot of the charitable projects that are supported and made possible through our fundraising efforts, and the impact they have.

SFE Music Ensembles:

#MusicCan Build Confidence

Through our Music Ensembles, we bring together nearly 4,000 young musicians from across Birmingham, to form over 100 free ensembles each year. Being part of one of our Ensembles is free for our young musicians, providing free music instrument loan, repairs, teaching and amazing performance opportunities throughout the year.

Ensembles offered are designed to cater for all genres and abilities from percussion and woodwind, to jazz, symphony orchestras and Concert Band, with skilled professional tutors and conductors supporting them along the way.

‘Ruby’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of music education. The music service has not only equipped her with musical skills but has also played a crucial role in her personal development. As she looks forward to pursuing a music degree, she carries with her the lessons, experiences, and confidence gained through the support and opportunities provided.’ – Central Ensemble Member Ruby’s mum.

#YouCan build confidence and musical talent for children like Ruby by supporting SFE Ensembles.

SFE Community Choirs:

#MusicCan Bring People Together

Our Community Choir brings music to the older generation, some of whom are facing illness, isolation and loneliness. Weekly singing takes place in local retirement villages, offering residents opportunities to meet others, make friends and sing their hearts out.

As well as the social benefits, being part of the group offers physical benefits too, including breathing control and mobility, supporting the overall wellbeing of participants. With singing groups based in multiple locations, we now enjoy bringing members together to meet people outside of their own villages in collaborative performances and social events.

‘For me, it’s therapy as I have Parkinsons. Music and singing help me control it, the louder and faster the better, so being part of the group and singing with others really helps.’ – Irene (Solihull Group Member).

#YouCan bring people together, combatting loneliness and isolation, by supporting SFE Community Choirs

Birmingham Inclusive Choir:

#MusicCan Bring Joy

Our Birmingham Inclusive Choir is a special group, bringing together children and young people under the age of 25 with disabilities. Led by experienced Choir Leads the group comes together to develop their singing and music making skills based on their own needs and abilities.

Set up in December 2021,  working with national charity Soundabout and successfully running alongside the West Midlands Inclusive Choir, monthly sessions prove invaluable to members, and their families, offering a safe space to develop personal pride, make friends and share in the fun of singing and music making – even more so when they have the opportunity to take to the stage.

‘Archie loves group sessions, being with people, watching people interact and taking part in a shared activity. He watches as much as he actively partakes in the sessions and can be quiet whilst he takes it all in, but he’ll sing the songs in the car on the way home! We sing the songs together and they are a brilliant reset if either of us is feeling tired or fed-up. Archie seeks both people and music. He loves live music, and having Helen on keyboard and Martin walking around with his guitar make the sessions extra special.’ – Inclusive Choir Member Archie’s mum.

#YouCan bring joy to children and young people with disabilities and their families by supporting Birmingham Inclusive Choir.

Music Cares:

#MusicCan Create Opportunities

Launched in 2018 and working with Birmingham Virtual School our Music Cares programme supports around 100 children in care across Birmingham, each year. Initially working with children in year 4 and year 7, the project now supports with children in care in years 4 through to 11.

Through the project, our music teachers engage participants in music opportunities they choose to be part of, including lessons and performances, helping individuals develop their musical talent and confidence.

Music making helps vulnerable children knock down barriers that they either face or put up themselves. It builds their confidence and communication skills, empowering them to transform their lives for the better.  Involvement in the project also helps them positively engage with the world around them, particularly with school and adults working with them.

‘She has been really enjoying her lessons over the last 5 years, and has gone from being very shy, and nervous about playing (and socially) to being really confident. She hasn’t taken any exams, but is playing around grade 2 standard, and we’ve been playing lots of music that she has chosen.’ – SFE Music Teacher.

#YouCan help create opportunities for disadvantaged children and young people by supporting the Music Cares Project

Concert Support:

#MusicCan Remove Barriers

Cost can often be a barrier preventing some parents’ attending their children’s concert performances, which can in turn impact the young musician’s experience. Because of this, this year we launched a project where, through some of the schools we work with, we were able to offer parents and families free tickets, and transport, to our July Youth Proms. Through this project, over 150 young musicians who would otherwise have no family members attending were able to look out into the audience and see a familiar face as they performed. Not only did this increase their confidence and enjoyment, but also a pride and connection with their families.

‘Thank you for the tickets and help with transport. It gave me the confidence to travel to town and to support my daughter. I will never miss a performance now and will attend every year to see her.’ – School-Based Ensemble Member’s mum.

#YouCan remove barriers to enjoying music by supporting Services For Education

  Support Our #MusicCan Campaign

At Services For Education (SFE) everything we do is to support our mission to bring music and learning to life.  With your support, #WeCan achieve this mission.

#SFECan bring music to life for more people. #MusicCan change lives. #YouCan help to change lives by supporting SFE.

If you would like to get involved in any way, email us at fundraising@servicesforeducation.co.uk or if you would like to make a donation, use the button below.

  About the Author

Sarah Caldwell - Fundraising Manager, Services For Education

Sarah Caldwell joined Services For Education in Summer 2023, bringing with her over 14 years fundraising experience. Working in the Birmingham charity sector, she has raised valuable funds for a range of projects impacting the day to day lives of young people with disabilities.

Sarah has experience across a number of fundraising streams (including Trusts & Foundation, Events and Corporate Fundraising), and brings this, along with a strong interest in building relationships with supporters, to her role at SFE.