FAB! Forest Gate Afro Bloc!
From "People Powered Forest Gate & Maryland"
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Proposed budget
GBP 19,464
Description
At Samba4Fun we use music as a vehicle to promote and enable individual and community wellbeing and foster understanding within the diverse, local communities in which we live.
We facilitate safe spaces and inclusive learning environments in which people can develop new and existing skills in partnership with others, increasing personal resilience and adaptability and thereby enabling positive personal growth and development.
Our project, FAB!, aims to enable local people to access the wellbeing benefits of group music-making free at the point of delivery.
Forest Gate is steeped in musical history. The Uppercut hosted the likes of the Small Faces, Otis Redding, The Who, and Jimi Hendrix. The Princess Alice hosted the first Rock Against Racism gig. Forest Gate is also considered by many to be the birthplace of Jungle and Drum n Bass.
FAB! seeks to add to this musical legacy reflecting the wonderfully diverse make-up of our local community and strengthening the ties and bonds between us.
We hope that your vote will help us to grow and sustain Samba4Fun for the ongoing benefit of Forest Gate.
In the words of Bob Marley, ‘One good thing about music is when it hits you, you feel no pain’
PEOPLE POWERED PLACES funding will allow us to deliver:
Free weekly samba drumming sessions for local residents
Free workshops in the community
Performances at community events, upholding Forest Gates's unique music legacy
Comments(16)
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Profile of Paul Brocklehurst
Posted by:Paul Brocklehurst
9 months ago
Such a brilliant group, I've attended for a couple of years and its focus on inclusivity and wellbeing are fantastic. Plus its fun! Would be great to see it grow and develop
Profile of MAXINE CLARKE-EUGENE
Posted by:MAXINE CLARKE-EUGENE
9 months ago
I heard this wonderful drumming sound from the high street in Forest Gate and followed to see where it was from. It was Samba4Fun amazing 👏 sounding bunch truly fantastic
Profile of Tamsin Black
Posted by:Tamsin Black
9 months ago
I haven't managed to join in yet but I love to hear as I pass by and see the enthusiasm of neighbours who have attended. The location is at the heart of where I live and gives it a community beat! I really want it to continue so I can join in
Profile of Jay Smith
Posted by:Jay Smith
10 months ago
Hello. I couldn’t get to the voting event yesterday so I’m asking the same questions what I’d ask in person – what is the money being spent on? As in a rough breakdown as I want to know what I will actually get for my vote? Where is it happening?
Profile of Jay Smith
Posted by:Jay Smith
9 months ago
@Jay Smith Hello I would like an answer please, the council told me you have to answer these questions as part of your community engagement.
Profile of Donna Clarke
Posted by:Donna Clarke
9 months ago
@Jay Smith
Hi,
PEOPLE POWERED PLACES funding will allow us to deliver:
Free weekly samba drumming sessions for local residents
Free workshops in the community
Performances at community events, upholding Forest Gates's unique music legacy
Best wishes
Samba4fun
Profile of MAXINE CLARKE-EUGENE
Posted by:MAXINE CLARKE-EUGENE
9 months ago
@Donna Clarke hoping and fingers crossed you get the funding you deserve 🙏
Profile of Dee art
Posted by:Dee art
10 months ago
This project gave me a reason to leave my home when I didn’t have one. I’d been trying to improve my mental wellness, playing music alone at home—but I knew I needed to challenge myself and step outside my comfort zone. The drumming/samba/afro bloc session felt like a good test. It was a drop-in, so I knew I could leave if I felt anxious. The group was so friendly, welcoming and kind, I stayed the whole time. I learned something new, got outside, walked, and spoke to someone. That meant everything. Thank you FAB for providing a safe space where the community can connect through music.
It’s rare to find a space this inclusive. People from all walks of life come together, and everyone’s contribution matters. Drumming with this group is pure joy.
Profile of Bronwen Eldridge
Posted by:Bronwen Eldridge
10 months ago
I heard about the drumming group through a local Facebook group, and thought I'd give it a go. I'm so pleased I did! It was so welcoming and inclusive from the start. It's been an amazing opportunity to meet new people, learn new skills and feel the joy of making music as part of a collective. I love that anyone can join in, regardless of experience and skill level. A really wonderful group.
Profile of Bronwen Williams
Posted by:Bronwen Williams
10 months ago
I used to hear the drumming going on whilst I was painting downstairs. After our painting class moved to a different venue and day I was able to investigate. I was so happy to play rather than listening at a distance. The joy of being able to take part from first encounter in a very diverse group with such strength and presence.has been immense. Welcoming skilled and flexible.
Profile of Janice Holloway
Posted by:Janice Holloway
10 months ago
A friend introduced my husband and I to this group in spring 2022. My husband had been recently diagnosed with dementia . We were both welcomed and supported from day one . The activity of Drumming had a very positive impact on both of us . The flexibility of this group was very helpful in enabling us to attend . Following my husbands death in 2023 I have continued to be part of this group with support and encouragement from the tutor and group members. This has definitely been a huge part in helping me to cope with my loss. I have developed musically and equally important have found a strong inclusive community to be part of and contribute to
Profile of Julia Statman
Posted by:Julia Statman
10 months ago
This is an incredible group..as soon as me and my friend walked in we
As soon as we walked in me and my friend were invited to be part of what was happening....Steve handed us both drums and showed us a rhythm so we could engage with straight away with the bigger sound and everyone else...
People can walk in and find a way to be included....we are all encouraged to learn new things in a supportive atmosphere... its such a rich mix of different ages histories backgrounds and experience and we are all learning together..its such a positive place to be...at the end of each session we're invited to sit and reflect on learning or anything else that might emerge. So dynamic and energising . Thank you .
Profile of Margarida Lopes
Posted by:Margarida Lopes
10 months ago
I have been attending the sessions since October 2021 when I was living in the area. My mental health radically improved since I started going. It took a while to learn but the learning process was and continues to be so fun. Drumming for me is pure, untamed joy! I end each session really tired, because it's so physically demanding, but also so energised. I didn't know many people locally when I started to go and now I found so many dear friends. I commute most weeks for about 45 minutes for the sweet joy of this precious community.
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Tags
Health & Wellbeing
Voluntary, Community or Faith Sector-led Project
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