Online teaching is frustrating in many ways but at least it means we can reach our musicians who are still at home after a year shielding. Well done Ruby and family, and well done Glenwood School for making it possible.

Episode 11 of The Music Man Project Podcast, presented by founder and CEO of The Music Man Project charity, David Stanley. A personal message from David:I always thought the secret of The Music Man Project was to keep it purely about the Music. I never had any training in disabilities, syndromes, behaviours, medication, social care or even clinical Music Therapy. Music education for its’ own sake remains vitally important but, as the years go by, it is clear that this mini musical empire I created all those years ago is incredibly important for families on a far deeper level than just musical achievement. This podcast can play an even greater role in sharing advice, supporting families in hours of need and being there for them as they and their children get older. I adore my students and their families, and I am continually astounded by their resilience, determination and demonstration of love in all its many forms over a lifetime.

A case in point is this week’s guest, Laura Sparrow. Laura is the mother of Southend Mencap Music School student Ruby, who has Rett syndrome. Laura talks movingly about caring for her daughter, especially during this pressure-cooker period of lockdown. The world record-breaking Music Man Project provides award-winning accessible music education and performance opportunities for children and adults with learning disabilities across the UK and around the world. These remarkable musicians have performed at the Royal College of Music, the London Palladium and the Royal Albert Hall.Every podcast includes news, music, interviews and lots of other exciting features and surprises. It celebrates the achievements of all people with learning disabilities from around the world.To find out more visit www.themusicmanproject.com, follow "The Music Man Project UK" on Facebook, subscribe to David Stanley's blog at www.themusicmanblog.com and subscribe to The Music Man Project's YouTube channel. Devised and presented by David Stanley

Produced by Jon Webber The Music Man Project, charity no. 1188041

Email musicmanprojectuk@outlook.com to tell us your news!

All of our WellChild Awards guests wore wristbands designed by some of the children and young people we support. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were wearing the designs sent in by Jake and Freya. Hosts Gaby and Radzi loved them so much they wore all 12!

Thank you to everyone who submitted a design.

To help us reach even more children who need our support, visit wellchild.org.uk/donate.

The WellChild Awards, celebrates the inspirational qualities of the UK’s seriously ill children and young people, along with those who go that extra mile to make a difference to their lives.

Watch last year's highlights.

Laura (Ruby's Mum) will be among 15 prestigious and passionate judges to award some truly amazing individuals, teams and healthcare professionals who have had an outstanding impact on those without a voice.

Laura will be on the judging panel, possibly bumping shoulders with the likes of Gabi Roslyn, Hello Magazine, HRH Prince Harry and more!

Ruby has been a student and participant in the Music Man Project for the past few years, it has helped her enjoy the independence that comes from performing as a group, and entering into public performances such as the London Palladium (2017) and now the Royal Albert Hall (2019)!

The award-winning, record-breaking Music Man Project UK presents Music is Magic, a unique charity concert featuring hundreds of musicians with a learning disability from across the country, supported by the Lorraine Kelly Studio Orchestra, massed choirs and special guests.

This celebration of the magic of music includes the Amazon chart-topping charity single Music is Magic and other songs and instrumental arrangements featured on the debut album by Music Man Project UK founder, David Stanley.

The Music Man Project is the UK’s only full-time specialist music education service for children and adults with a learning disability and provides life-changing performance opportunities for people who face extraordinary challenges every day of their lives. Described by OFSTED as ‘an outstanding resource for schools’ and by Royal Mencap as ‘truly inspiring’, its work is currently the subject of a PhD research study at the Royal College of Music by Regional Director and Academic Advisor, Natalie Bradford. Music Man Project UK makes its Royal Albert Hall debut following a sell-out concert at the London Palladium, which was featured on BBC ONE Breakfast.

Music by David Stanley

Lyrics by David Stanley and Jenny Hitchcock

‘Joyous, warm and engaging’

The Royal College of Music

‘Thrilling and moving… utterly fantastic!’

Johnny Ball

‘Spectacular and inspiring, a night like no other’

Music is Magic at the London Palladium

On the 20^th March, six WellChild Parent Ambassadors came together for a training day in Birmingham. The day was a huge success, with updates on current projects, media training and discussions on how we can ensure that we are providing the best support for all families of children with exceptional health needs.

Please consider a donation at: https://www.wellchild.org.uk/donate/

Ruby Riot 2019 - Fundraiser event

LINK | FaceBook

An event was organised in honour of Ruby by a series of amazing performers who wanted to raise money to help with the various treatments to supplement the support Ruby receives from the NHS and other privately funded organisations.

Organiser and saint: Jamie from Box-Five,

Host: J.B & Brown Acoustic Duo, also joined by Shane Ibbs Oral Storyteller, Mat Barden - Male Vocalist, Susie Brown - Vocalist & Entertainer

Event held at the Molo Lounge in Southend-on-Sea

Ruby has thrived since being at home with her family. Help us empower parents like Laura and John with the skills and confidence to care for their child safely at home.

Visit www.wellchild.org.uk/christmas to donate.

Watch the new Little Havens film and the full interview with Laura, who tells us about her daughter Ruby and the difference Little Havens have made to their lives.

Ruby was featured on a FaceBook marketing campaign for Elsie's Closet clothing (and Perfect Little Pixels Photography).

She's barely in it but it counts!

Issue 21 Autumn 2015

LINK | Website