Anger, Sadness, Frustration, Comedy, Violence and Vulnerability – emotions young men feel in our society today, especially when they emanate from social deprivation, high unemployment, family breakdowns and a reduction in social safety nets due to years of funding cuts.

Audio Active, a music charity based in Brighton and Worthing, aimed to address these issues this year by providing a safe space for youngsters to let off steam and express themselves whilst discovering and developing hidden music talent – and the programme Rooom to Rant was born.

The final session of the series was captured on film at the charitiy’s Worthing base:

The sessions were guided by experienced music leaders who showed how music can be a therapeutic release, whilst inspiring the participants to improve and strive for better creatively. All sessions were attended by a mental health professional who was able to provide any additional support needed,  such as referring young people for counselling and psychotherapy.

The project was funded by Comic Relief and delivered in partnership with AudioActive and YMCA Downslink.

Audio Active is a charity which works with young people to develop their music skills, holding free sessions on music production, rap and songwriting. Their patron is Sussex musician Rag’n’Bone Man, who introduced the programme in the following video: