EQUALISER : The Bullying Prevention Project

Media Release
Music is the key to an innovative local project designed to spread anti-bullying messages to young people.

The bullying prevention project, known as Equaliser, uses a series of youth music workshops to teach young people how to write and record music using computer based software. Their songs will then be compiled onto an ‘anti bullying’ themed CD resource.

Project coordinator, Paul Johnston says music is an effective way to bring important messages and sensitive topics to the forefront.

“Music and lyrics are powerful mediums,” he says. “When used positively, music can communicate key anti bullying messages to a range of audiences”.

The project is part of the Government initiated Te Punanga Haumaru campaign through Family and Community Services (FACS), which provides funding to support communities in developing strategies to address antisocial bullying behaviours. The project is coordinated and managed locally by SVS-Living Safe and Relationships Aotearoa.

Several local youth agencies including Job Track, ATET, Youth Nelson, The Nelson YMCA, Salisbury School, Canteen and St Barnabas will also contribute tracks to the album, along with a handful of established youth bands who are also busy writing and recording their own original tracks for inclusion.

The series of after school music workshops are scheduled for Motueka, Richmond and Nelson, free to attend and open for anyone aged 12-20 years. Spaces are limited so bookings are highly recommended.

Motueka: 25 March, 1 April, 8 April 3.30-5.30pm SVS/Living Safe, 15B Courtney Street
Nelson: 26 March, 2 April, 9 April 3.30-5.30pm Nelson YMCA, 156 Toi Toi Street
Richmond: 27 March, 3 April, 10 April 3.30-5.30pm Richmond Town Hall, 9 Cambridge Street

There will be an album launch party in Nelson featuring live performances from contributing artists on 24 May during Youth Week 2014.

To find out more on the project or to reserve a place in a music workshop contact:

Paul Johnson
Email: youth@svs.org.nz

ENDS

© Scoop Media