Musicians needed for Stowmarket project supporting young people

Matt Haines said Rihanna's songs have been "very positive"

A music project that supports young people is calling for more musicians and producers to get involved.

Noise Solution, based in Stowmarket, delivers music mentoring programmes and pairs tutors with young people facing challenging circumstances.

The social enterprise is now asking for more music professionals to get involved in the scheme.

Musician and tutor Matt Haines said: "It helps young people feel like they're good at something."

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Formed in 2009 by Simon Glenister, the scheme enables young people to explore music-related projects.

Students are able to write their own material, sing, or learn instruments.

They are also taught technical aspects of music production, such as recording, video making and promotion.

"We use a blog to help young people and their chosen friends and family see how they're progressing each week," said Mr Haines.

"You can see the skills growing week on week... when a young person gets feedback on the blog, they feel a sense of connection, like what they're doing is having an impact."

The scheme has allowed Rihanna, 16, to write and record her own songs about her personal experiences.

"I've just worked so hard and I can see my real self. It's just been the best," she said.

"I suffer with anxiety and a year ago I wouldn't go out of the house, I wouldn't do anything. Now I can see I've come on leaps."