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Winter Newsletter 2017

22/11/2017

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DECEMBER / NOVEMBER 2017
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Welcome to our Winter Warmer update... bursting with inspiring stories from people in our neighbourhood, our upcoming events, awards, annual reports and lots of things to get you feeling warm and fuzzy for Christmas! 
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CRE8'S ANNUAL REPORT 2017
Hot off the press! Our 2017 Annual Report has just been published... you can view the full report here >>
We're very proud of this years report - some great stories from our youth projects, lots of cracking photos, and quotes from supporters, young people, families and customers. The Report is 'homemade'; that is we design, produce, write, proof-read and take all the photos ourselves using the skills we have. A great achievement.
Enjoy!
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RISING STAR AWARD
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Cre8 was recognised with a special ‘Rising Star’ award at the spectacular North West Charity Awards In October. Cre8 was given the award for punching above its weight in the ‘Small Charity Big Impact’ category. 

Other finalists in the category included charities representing the best from across the North West, so this is a fantastic achievement for everyone involved with Cre8, which is now in its 12th year of supporting young people and families from the Moss Rose Estate in Macclesfield.

The inaugural North West Charity Awards ceremony took place at Manchester’s impressive Midland Hotel. This was a red carpet event where the Cre8 table included volunteers, trustees, workers and young adults, who gathered to celebrate the great work of the thousands of charities and non-profit organisations across the North West of England.

Collecting the Award on the night, Cre8’s Director Rob Wardle said “I am hugely proud of all the people who've been involved in Cre8 since we started 12 years ago - our small faith-based community project on the Moss Rose Estate in Macclesfield. This award is absolutely unexpected for us at an event full of amazing big-hitting charities.”

Cre8 also gained the top award for Creamline Dairies in the Outstanding Business Supporters category. Creamline’s partnership with Cre8 helps to support young people and young adults into employment and give them direct work experience in the commercial world, whilst also providing income for the Cre8 charity.
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Cre8’s aim of Faith: Change: Community is targeted at empowering young people and adults in the local area to make change happen for themselves and for their local neighbourhood of the Moss Rose Estate in Macclesfield.
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WHAT WE'VE BEEN UP TO...
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Laurence Singers Concert
A brilliant night with the Laurence Singers at their fundraising concert for Cre8. As an added bonus young people from Cre8 had the opportunity for young people to sing alongside the choir.
The finale was a joint performance.... Rolling in the Deep by Adele. The arrangement for the Choir was done by our own music tutor Ollie Gibson. Sang by the incredible Casey with Alisha on percussion, Emma Bass, Alfie drums and Amy guitar, and the choir in support.
Videos of the performances can be found here >> it'll give you goosebumps!
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Go Team Cre8!
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Team Cre8 Faith Change Community SMASHED IT at the Macc 5K & half Marathon organised by Macc Harriers. We entered a community team of 17 people! Great for our first year. 
We came 4th in the 5K community challenge thanks to our 5 fastest finishers. Special mention to Rob Wood who came in 13th place overall in the 5K and Emma Gibson who ran 28 minutes whilst 28 weeks pregnant! We were 3rd in the Half Marathon community team challenge thanks to Gordon, Ollie and Martin.

Bring on next year!
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Harvest 2017
Thanks to local schools, churches and individuals for their donations of Harvest gifts. They went into hampers given out to people round the Moss Estate, the fresh produce made some yummy meals at Clubs like pies, soups and stews and the fresh fruit was juiced in our fruit press!

If you would like to collect / donate food we are always looking for donations, especially of store cupboard items (tins, cereals, pasta etc) and toiletries. Please get in touch and we can arrange collection / drop-off.
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Creamline wins Top Award
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Cre8 gained the top award for Creamline Dairies in the Outstanding Business Supporters category at the North West Charity Awards!!! 
Creamline's General Sales Manager Steve Neary and his wife Beryl went to collect the Award, along with Aaron who has worked for Cre8 on our social enterprise Cre8 Facilities, washing Creamline's fleet of milk floats. A great honour for us to be able to thank Creamline in this way. Their partnership with us means that we can support young people / adults into employment and give them direct work experience in the commercial world, whilst also providing some income for the Cre8 charity. Fantastic.

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CONGRATULATIONS ADAM!
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​We recently said farewell to Adam. He's got a new job working as a recovery driver - something he's always wanted to do. Adam started with us about 3 years ago working as a young person on Cre8 Facilities (our social enterprise) washing vehicles. He's been a team leader for the last couple of years and done a fantastic job leading our work with Creamline. And he's recently become a father! Congratulations Adam - you'll be missed but we're very pleased for you 😁😁😁 This is what it's all about.

GIVEAWAY DONATIONS
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​Calling all our wonderful supporters
We are planning a ‘Food Giveaway’ at the Community Christmas Feast at St Barnabas Church on the 22nd of December. Following the incredible response at previous giveaways we realise how important it is for so many, so close to Christmas.
If you are able to donate items (see below) please get in touch with Cre8 on 01625 503740
  • NON-PERISHABLE FOOD - we will take donations of non perishable items any time between now and Friday 22nd. These can be dropped at the Cre8 House (11 Belgrave Road) or get in touch as we might be able to collect.
  • FRESH FOOD - we will take in donations of perishable food (like bread, milk, juice, fruit, veg etc) on Monday 17th until the morning of Friday the 22nd. These can be dropped off at Cre8 or get in touch and we may be able to collect.
  • TOYS, TOILETRIES, NAPPIES, WASHING POWDER - we are VERY keen for donations (unopened / unused). Families and young people are often in need of these. 
  • A LITTLE TIME - if you'd like to help out on the day - serving hot food or helping with the giveaway we would love to have you. It's a great atmosphere and a wonderful start to Christmas.
If you are able to ask your local shop or business to donate something then please do!
We really do appreciate your support for the young people of the Moss Rose Estate and their families.

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY...
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Youth Music Concert
Saturday 16th December 2017
6-8pm United Reformed Church, Park Green, Macclesfield

Back with a vengeance! Our Youth Music Concert is always a special event. The real passion and talent these young people have shines through. The Cre8 Music project truly belongs to young people. Come along and discover the wonderful community spirit that flows through this project.
A mix of modern songs, solos, duets, and bands, these young people will show you their journey from beginners to multi-talented musicians.
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Crib Festival
14th - 16th October 2017
St Barnabas Church, Lyme Avenue Macclesfield


St Barnabas Church is holding a Crib Festival to celebrate and share the Christmas story. Groups and people who have connections with the Church will be putting together their own Crib's and Cre8's Clubs are busy making theirs.

Anyone is welcome to stop by the Church and have a look at the Cribs - Church will be open during the day so pop in!

Opening times:
  • Thursday 14th - 1-5pm
  • Friday 15th - 1-5pm
  • Saturday 16th - 10am - 4.30pm
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Community Christmas Feast
Friday 22nd December 2017
12-3pm at St Barnabas Church, Lyme Avenue
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A Christmas Feast of hot food to eat together and a food giveaway. Open to everyone from the neighbourhood of the Moss Rose Estate. Come and share good food with friends, family and neighbours.
We're taking in donations for the giveaway... if you're able to contribute see above for details.
We are especially grateful to all the kind people who publicise our upcoming events through their churches, groups, workplace, social media and family & friends. If you're able to - please do include the events listed above in any notices / displays / leaflets - and help us spread the word!

We can provide posters and flyers on request katy.wardle@cre8macclesfield.org

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Volunteers are at the heart of Cre8. They make things happen, and they share their passion and time. It is hugely valuable to a young person to have an adult who will sit and chat with them about their day. We welcome volunteers of any age, background or experience.
Right now, Cre8 specifically need new volunteers to help with ART and CRAFT activities, COOKING and GAMES/SPORTS at our youth clubs which run on Tuesdays 6-8.30pm and Wednesdays 5-7.30pm (which includes setup/close down time). Our youth clubs run in term time.
If you can regularly give a few hours of your time, please phone us on 01625 503740 or email hello@cre8macclesfield.org
Volunteering isn't just about giving, it's so much more, have a look here: http://www.cre8macclesfield.org/volunteering.html
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Rolling in the deep

14/10/2017

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GOOSEBUMPS
Brilliant night with the Laurence Singers. Such a fantastic opportunity for young people to sing alongside this choir.
This was the finale... Rolling in the Deep. The arrangement for the Choir done by our own music tutor Ollie Gibson. Sang by the incredible Casey with Alisha on percussion, Emma Bass, Alfie drums and Amy guitar. And the choir in support.
Thanks for a wonderful evening 😋😇
Amazing Grace...
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Summer / Autumn Newsletter - 2017

31/8/2017

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Hello!
We hope you've had a cracking summer and are looking forward to the treats of Autumn and Harvest!

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This is what we've been up to over the last few months and the exciting things we're looking forward to... including some important dates for your diaries...
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In this newsletter you will find...
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The next Youth Music Concert  |  Macc Half & 5K  |  Camas Trip 2017   |  Plant Sale  |   Changing Chairs  |  NorthWest Charity Awards  |  Music Recordings  |  Road to Wigan Pier  |  and some great photos!

Cre8's Music Concert Celebrates Local Talent
Our most recent Concert on 22nd July at the United Reformed Church in Macclesfield town centre, saw performances from Cre8’s talented young musicians and showcased the achievements of young people involved with the highly acclaimed music project on the Moss Rose Estate.
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Cre8’s music project established in 2011, enables young people from the Moss Rose Estate to develop music-making skills, where there may be limited opportunities for them to do so elsewhere. In 2017 this work has expanded to include the delivery of nationally recognised vocational qualifications in music.
This concert was the opportunity for young people to show off their talents in music performance and they did not disappoint! The varied programme of pop, rock, grime, chilled acoustic and a bit of classical provided something for an audience of all ages and musical tastes. Young people played piano, guitar, bass, drums, ukulele as well as singing and rapping, with some highly technical performances.

A comment from a member of the audience “What an honour and privilege to watch these young people perform. Their talent, their respect and love for their music and each other is inspiring... it was beautiful.”

The development of the young people on their musical journeys was clear, with a special finale featuring a young person, who learnt to sing at Cre8 four years ago and has just received a special award following her first year at the Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts.

Tom, who oversees Cre8's Music project, said “The young people have been working for months on their performances and stage presence so to see that materialise in such a fantastic way on Saturday was very special. They work really hard in challenging circumstances and they certainly pulled it off tonight! As a team of music leaders we couldn’t be prouder of their achievements. It’s now time to look towards October, which will be a completely different experience for these young people, and such an honour to perform with a well-known choir.”
Cre8 Music’s next concert on 14th October at St Michael’s Church in the Marketplace, will be a special fundraising evening in conjunction with the fantastic Laurence Singers based in Cheadle Hulme. This ticketed event is sure to be very popular featuring a lively programme from the choir and special joint performances with Cre8.
Tickets are £7 (£5 concessions) and available from Cre8 01625 503740.

What's been happening...
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Northwest Charity Awards
Cre8 has been shortlisted in not one but two categories at the Northwest Charity Awards!!!! 'Small Charity Big Impact' and 'Business Support of the Year' - with Creamline Dairies for their support of our social enterprise. We'll find out if we're successful at the Awards Ceremony in October at the Midland Hotel in Manchester. 

Fingers crossed!

Read more >>
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Changing Chairs
In June this year the wonderful Pip Mosscrop stepped down as Chair of Cre8's Trustees. Having been involved with Cre8 for over 11 years; since it first began as a tiny seed with a group of people wanting to do 'something' for young people from the Moss. We cannot thank Pip enough for his enthusiasm, confidence and gentleness x
Jen Hardy is our new Chair and we're really excited that she's stepping into the role. You can read more about her in our soon to be published Annual Report 2017.
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Road to Wigan Pier 2017
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We made it into a national newspaper!!!
Cre8 took part in a series of articles in the Mirror retracing George Orwell's route 80 years on from his book about poverty in Northern England 'Road to Wigan Pier'. 
The articles tell the story of 'Austerity Britain' in Road to Wigan Pier 2017.
You can find the article amongst the rest of the series by clicking here >>
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Music Recordings
We've recently updated the Music Recording section of our website. Take a look! There are recordings from the last few years - video and audio. It's great to see the passion these young people have for making music. 

Click here >>

Camas Residential August 2017
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We took a large group of 16 young people aged 11-16 - some of whom have not been away from home before, to the Iona Community's Camas Centre - offering outdoor activities and community living on the Isle of Mull. The trip was incredible. Some challenges, lows and difficulties that come with living together away from home and having to learn to get along, and take part in everything - including the chores to keep the community running smoothly (like washing up and cleaning the loos). Some big highs as well; coasteering around the bay, sailing, swimming, bog-jumping and being in the spectacular Scottish wildness. Memorable moments included: a grumpy hike in defiant dressing gowns (perfect outerwear for a hike in Scotland!), being stopped on the road by large highland cows ("are they real?"), charging into the sea in pouring rain, to escape horrific midges, and sitting up till 2am trying to persuade angry young people to go to sleep instead of fighting. 

Thank you
To the wonderful supporters of Cre8 who so generously donated just over £2,100 towards the cost of this year's Camas residential. You have helped 16 young people make memories and sow seeds of change that will last a lifetime. Many blessings x

For regular updates and stories, follow us on social media and check out our website - it's awesome.

facebook.com/Cre8Macclesfield

@Cre8Macc

www.cre8macclesfield.org

Dates for your diary this Autumn...
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Macc Half & 5K - Cre8 Team
24th September 2017
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Alongside their Half Marathon, Macc Harriers have a 5k and we've entered a team!!! We're not looking to win, we just want to have fun, get a bit fitter and raise a bit of money for Cre8. Anyone wanting to run in our team, you can find out how to sign up here. All abilities welcome!
And if you don't fancy running but still want to join in - we're after friendly faces to cheer us on, carry us over the line and supply us with treats & drinks at the end. If you'd like to be a helper on the day - get in touch!
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Laurence Singers Concert
14th October 2017
7pm St Michaels Church


We are very proud to announce a special concert with the fantastic Laurence Singers on Saturday 14th October. This promises to be an enjoyable evening of music with a varied programme from the Singers and some special joint performances with talented young people from Cre8's own Music Project. 

Tickets are £7.50 and can be purchased from Cre8 by calling 01625 503740. All money will go towards Cre8's charitable activities.
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Plant Sale
28th April 2018
10am - 2pm St Barnabas Church
Calling all gardeners! We're having a plant sale in April 2018 and we need you!!!
We're looking for people to:
  • donate spare plant pots
  • grow plants to sell on the day
So if you're interested get in touch and start planning / planting / dividing / cutting / potting up!
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Winter Youth Music Concert
Saturday 16th December 2017
6pm - venue to be confirmed


Our popular Youth Music Concert will be back again in December. This event is always a unique and wonderful experience so make sure the date is firmly in your diary and look out for details of the venue.
Look forward to seeing you there.
We are especially grateful to all the kind people who publicise our upcoming events through their churches, groups, workplace, social media and family & friends. If you're able to - please do include the events listed above in any notices / displays / leaflets - and help us spread the word!

We can provide posters and flyers on request katy.wardle@cre8macclesfield.org

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CRE8’S YOUTH MUSIC CONCERT CELEBRATES LOCAL TALENT

26/7/2017

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If any proof was needed of the high standard of music making achieved by local young people, then Cre8’s Youth Concert was all the evidence needed. 
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Held on Saturday 22nd July at the United Reformed Church in Macclesfield town centre, the Youth Concert, which saw performances from Cre8’s talented young musicians, showcased the achievements of young people involved with the highly acclaimed music project on the Moss Rose Estate.
​
Cre8’s music project established in 2011, enables young people from the Moss Rose Estate to develop music-making skills, where there may be limited opportunities for them to do so elsewhere. In 2017 this work has expanded to include the delivery of nationally recognised vocational qualifications in music.
This concert was the opportunity for young people to show off their talents in music performance and they did not disappoint! The varied programme of pop, rock, grime, chilled acoustic and a bit of classical provided something for an audience of all ages and musical tastes. Young people played piano, guitar, bass, drums, ukulele as well as singing and rapping, with some highly technical performances.

A comment from a member of the audience “What an honour and privilege to watch these young people perform. Their talent, their respect and love for their music and each other is inspiring... it was beautiful.”

The development of the young people on their musical journeys was clear, with a special finale featuring a young person, who learnt to sing at Cre8 four years ago and has just received a special award from the School after her first year at the Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts.

Tom Wardle, Youth Work Manager at Cre8 said “The young people have been working for months on their performances and stage presence so to see that materialise in such a fantastic way on Saturday was very special. They work really hard in challenging circumstances and they certainly pulled it off tonight! As a team of music leaders we couldn’t be prouder of their achievements. It’s now time to look towards October, which will be a completely different experience for these young people, and such an honour to perform with a well-known choir.”

Cre8 Music’s next concert on 14th October at St Michael’s Church in the Marketplace, will be a special fundraising evening in conjunction with the fantastic Laurence Singers based in Cheadle Hulme. This ticketed event is sure to be very popular featuring a lively programme from the choir and special joint performances with Cre8. Tickets are £7 (£5 concessions) and available from Cre8 01625 503740.
 
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The Protege Effect

3/7/2017

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by Rachel [aka Bradders] - Youth Support Worker at Cre8 Music
I have no musical ability, so was especially excited to get involved with the music project! I’m a youth support worker at the Cre8 Music project on the Moss (I have many roles at Cre8 – this is just one of them!). I look after the tea & toast, sit and chat while young people wait for lessons, and more recently I’ve become a ‘project’ for the young people to teach music to!

My lack of musical ability became apparent to the young people quite quickly and so they took it upon themselves to sort me out with some music lessons – taught by them! It began with singing and we are currently practising Jessie J's ‘Flashlight’ and Leonard Cohen's ‘Hallelujah’; a fine combination! This is accompanied by piano and most recently, ukulele... Simon Cowell eat your hat! As well as fuelling my one man band daydreams, I find it a cool way of building the young people’s confidence in their own ability and focus' them to practice (albeit while laughing at my raw talent). Plus, there’s plenty of evidence to show it helps them learn – have a look at the article here >>. It's also really encouraging to see young people teaching each other young people, as everyone seems to join in with ‘teaching Rachel’ time.
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I see that music has this quality to calm an anxious young person. I hear it in the lyrics they choose to sing, the story they wish to tell. In the tea & toast moments (always a popular time at the music project) the young people describe their creative aspirations for the future while chatting over a brew. I love to hear this.

The music project provides such a positive learning environment. I listen in awe while the highly talented music tutors and young people jam together; spontaneous creativity spills out of the group. I can't help but feel energised, feel included and want to have a go. I’m sure this energy is why the kids stick around too. I've seen these young people grow from no musical background to being musically (and socially) confident and competent. The Youth Music Concert’s that Cre8 holds during the year are evidence of this - blows me away every time!
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Social action in Macclesfield

26/6/2017

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Macclesfield is amazing!!! One of Macclesfield’s best kept secrets is the amount of social action being provided by small local organisations, and the huge amount of volunteering to provide help where it’s needed.
This video put together by HOPE gives a short intro to a few organisations that try to make a difference to people's lives in Macclesfield. And Cre8 is featured!!
CLICK TO WATCH THE FULL VIDEO ON YOUTUBE

​Has this inspired you? Want to get involved in something that makes a difference in your local community? Get in touch! hello@
cre8macclesfield.org

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#macclesfieldisamazing #volunteering #cre8 #youngpeople
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Cre8 upcoming events

20/6/2017

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SUMMER YOUTH MUSIC CONCERT

Saturday 22nd July at 6pm at The United Reformed Church (URC), Park Green Macclesfield
Cre8 Music, now in its sixth year, with a third recommendation from the National Foundation for Youth Music, continues to challenge and inspire.

A mix of modern songs, solos, duets, and bands, these young people will show you their journey from beginners to multi-talented musicians. Don’t miss out!

The event will be FREE ENTRY for the audience as we want to attract as many people as possible, but we welcome donations as always.

Please share with friends, family and please do publicise with our poster - downloadable here.

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Camas Residential
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Our Annual Trip to the Iona Community's outdoor centre for young people 'Camas' sets off in August! The experience will be the making of some of these young people - often a real life-changing moment. Living in community, learning to get along, and sharing the ups and downs together. 
If you'd like to sponsor a young person from the Moss Estate to go on this week-long trip - please view the fundraising page by clicking the link below.
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Click here to donate to the Camas Trip
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Macc Half - 5k Cre8 Team

Alongside their Half Marathon, Macc Harriers have a 5k and we've entered a team!!! Now we just need some runners!

We're not looking to win, we just want to have fun, get a bit fitter and raise a bit of money for Cre8. Anyone wanting to run in our team, please get in touch. All abilities welcome!


Contact us

Supporting Cre8 through Prayer​

We are always incredibly grateful for the many different ways people support Cre8. If you'd like to support our work through prayer, below are some prayer points to assist.
  • For the young people, facing the uncertainties of adolescence. For a sense of security for them, having someone to hold them, guide them, protect them, give to them, laugh with them and appreciate them. 
  • For adults in our community, for understanding, acceptance, peacefulness, working together and not for ourselves. An end to hatred, violence, bullying. Forgiveness. For work, a sense of worth fullness, contribution, value, fairness. 
  • For our supporters, giving thanks for them, those who think about us, pray for us, give to us, are gracious to us, make space for us and challenge us.
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Rockschool Award

26/1/2017

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Last week we started the next phase of our Music Project - delivery of the Rockschool Award to a group of 6 young people who have been involved in our music project for the last few years. This level 2 award is a big deal for us - to be able to acredit what we do here at the music project and support young people to gain a qualification for their musical talents!


To start with the group will be focusing on core units one of which is working towards a performance; they'll be organising, running and performing their own concert!


The very first session last week involved 'me boards': reflecting on their own musical style, influences and background...
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Exciting times 🎤🎸🎹🎧🎵 #youthmusic #cre8music
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Winter Music Concert 2016

19/12/2016

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Our latest music concert was IMMENSE!!!!

Our young performers were incredible!!!!! Our funding from Youth Music has allowed us to do so much and now Cre8 Music is a well established and respected part of the Moss Rose Estate. Young people from this place have incredible talent and their potential is endless.
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And the live tweets, videos and messages during the concert were soooooo goood!!! Here's a few...


(and if you weren't there - why weren't you???? - make sure you're at the next one!)

Really excited for the Cre8 music concert tonight!!  😀
 (very talented young people singing current music - not a squeaky carole in sight!)

The incredible talent of the Cre8 Macclesfield Music Project Winter Concert .. Warms the soul and heart  ❤️
 
Take me to the place I love ...Cre8
 
One of our Cre8 music graduates is now continuing her journey at LIPA ... She Came back to share her talent ... Wonderful to see her sing last night, she's done so well : )
 
The incredible talent of the young people from the Moss estate working hard at Cre8 Music project to provide an evening of pure joy
 
Brilliant to see so much talent from very gifted musicians and singers last night at the concert, well done everyone!
 
Gorgeous butty and perfect tea xxx thank you all X And crackin' sandwiches they were! Well done team!  😂
 
All looks very exciting and so sorry we cannot be there to watch what I know will be an amazing concert.x
 
It was fab, as always! It worked well at the URC too I thought.
 
Feeling Christmassy after a great night at the cre8 Christmas concert 
 
Feeling blessed. I will never really get tired...of young people showing us their incredibleness. If only you were here  😌 
 
Great night !!! Thank you
 
Cre8's concert was amazing!
 
That’s my favourite song! I love Ed Sheeran  :D That's Amy who is singing it here, she's only 14! X
 
You must be so proud whenever you 'produce' a performance like tonight.
All your protégés were fab of course - for me the magical moments were…
  • I cried at Liam's 'Lean on Me'
  • I was astounded at Leila's talent
  • I thought Chloe looked angelic and has a promising voice
  • Matt was a star and Owen clearly takes the award for technical courage!
  • Let's hope Casey can tell herself that her voice is beautiful again - very soulful I thought
  • And of course Alfie stole the show with his cheek and varied percussion skills!
Thanks for all you do - there is really NO surprise to me at all that YOUTH MUSIC continues to financially support the Cre8 Music team - you are all amazing at what you do - as are all the young performers.
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Tea and toast

13/9/2016

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In 2011 Cre8  started a music project with funding from Youth Music. Since then it's gone from strength to strength and now represents a key part of our provision, engaging over 60 young people in music-making activities on an annual basis, with a core group of around 30 participants who attend 3 times a week. Many of these young people have been involved for years, developing from complete beginners into multi-instrumental musicians and going on to excel in their music GCSEs and study music at college.

But why do they keep coming back? Is it the music? Ask them, and they'll probably say it's the toast.

As a youth worker based in a community long-term, I'm always interested in what it takes to engage young people in activities that develop tangible skills and make a visible impact on their lives on a long-term basis. As a musician, I understand the impact that music-making can have on an individual. It can be defining; more than just a hobby, it can shape personalities and futures. So naturally when the opportunity arose to combine the two it was a welcome challenge.

Back to the toast.

One of the more interesting parts of my training as a youth work was the theory of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs (look it up here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maslow%27s_hierarchy_of_needs). The theory suggests that for individuals to experience growth in areas of self-esteem, confidence, achievement and respect of others their basic physiological needs, sense of safety and need for positive social relationships has to be met. To put it plainly: if you want hard-to-reach kids to learn to play music and respect other, give them sofas, support, tea and toast.

Now that's not to say there aren't difficulties that come along with this. Sometimes it's difficult to define whether a young person spent more time learning how to play 'Smoke on the Water' or standing in the queue waiting for a brew. Or when I've forgotten to pick up the chocolate spread and have to spare a member of staff for 10 minutes to go to the shop to avoid all out mutiny. But it works, and the numbers prove it. More importantly, we can see it working. Now that we've been going for 5 years, we can see lives changing. I watch kids who once struggled to sing above a whisper stand up on a stage in front of 100+ people, including families and peers (which is often worse) and smash out their rendition of 'Read All About It Part II'. I have seen kids who have literally beat themselves up when they place a finger wrong on the fretboard, who have learnt patience and perseverance and can deliver the solo from 'I Believe in a Thing Called Love'. And every time they do it, their lives change a little for the better.

It might seem simple. It might seem like an unnecessary distraction. But if there's one thing I would share with people who are struggling to reach the kids who need it the most, it would be: "firstly, give them tea and toast".
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Post to the Youth Music Network, September 2016, by Tom Wardle
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