Analysis: Practice - Arts - Young people use music to voice theirproblems

Music is sometimes seen as driving antisocial behaviour, through lyrics inciting young people to violence. But youth workers can also harness the power of music to meet youth work goals. Earlier this month, charity Youth Music announced a national programme of one-to-one and group mentoring sessions for young people (YPN, 8-14 November, p6). The 666,000 scheme, which starts in January,will run across 14 regions. It is part of the Government's respect agenda, aiming to raise young people's aspirations and lower antisocial behaviour.

Hit the right note

Manchester is one of the areas that will host the mentoring programme in the new year. Greater Manchester Music Action Zone is already running a pilot project for the Home Office Respect Task Force. Sheni Ravji-Smith, development manager at the organisation, says the project, which was funded with about 6,500 from the Manchester Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership, had three phases, starting with an outreach programme. "We engaged young people with things like beatboxing, and asked them what they would like the project to cover," she says.