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“I Have to be Patient” is an inspirational music video, created as part of the project: Positive Oldham Music Cultures, which started in late 2019. Funded by the Heritage Lottery, the aim of the project was to promote cohesion and better understanding of diversity through music.
Young people from a mix of backgrounds across Oldham were given access to practical music and musical heritage activities. Due to COVID the project had to be redesigned with lots of “Mahdlo at Home” elements. A partnership with the Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM) was created, which was originally intended to be vocal lessons became the development of three original songs. These songs were developed by RNCM and a gospel artist, introducing the young people to aspects of song writing and gospel structure composition.
“I Have to be Patient” is one of those tracks! This song in particular cemented the bond between four neurodiverse members through lockdown, developing their skills, their knowledge and their friendships. Enjoy!
A unique production entitled; ‘As Time Goes By’ has been created by the Mahdlo Ability Productions Group. Shaped by the pandemic and personal loss, this creation has pushed the group to develop their skills in a way that they haven’t encountered before. The focus is about creating a world where no-one wants to touch anyone or go outside. This is a very poignant piece and as it’s been produced, we got the chance to catch up backstage with the Group to talk about the project and their experiences throughout lockdown, which have ultimately shaped the production.
Having been bullied at school, Mahdlo member Mike lacked confidence, which often resulted in a struggle to control his anger. Social anxiety is a very real challenge for young people that we connect to our mentoring programme and has become heightened because of the pandemic.
“I found early on that when Mike had been teased or provoked in the past, his first reaction was to become volatile,” says Dan. “Mike needed a positive outlet for venting his anger; we found that activities like the gym, boxing and breathing exercises really helped to alleviate the stress he had always internalised. Working closely with the Mahdlo’s safeguarding officer and Mike’s school, we have been able to give him coping strategies, so that when he faced stressful incidents, he was able to deal with them more maturely.
“Lockdown challenged Mike, like many young people, creating an isolation that he hasn’t been used to before. The activities that he had been taking part in, which had started to work to keep his emotions under control, were no longer available. We needed to redirect Mike’s focus to activities that he could do from home. With encouragement he took part in an arts consultation, and theatre production focussing on mental health; I can honestly say he is flourishing. Mike told me recently he feels a sense of achievement and connection despite having been in lockdown earlier this year and made some really amazing friendships. This is why we do what we do at Mahdlo!”
Last year we were able to secure an internship for a young person on our Get a Job programme with Manchester Camerata – the award-winning orchestra – that delivered amazing results, despite being in lockdown. Being part of this fantastic experience has seen Andrew Campbell’s confidence, ambition and entrepreneurial spirit grow:
“It is not easy to integrate into a new team but to do so whilst in lockdown, and so successfully too, is a credit to Andrew. A huge thank you and here’s to finding another candidate to start in the autumn!” Jake Anchors, Holroyd Foundation (funder of the internship).
“I have been given the support and help I need, and I feel like I have made an impact. Constructive feedback and friendly discussions are massive motivators in this role, everyone is super nice, and I am able to develop my skills every day. I thank Mahdlo and Ali for this amazing opportunity to work within the job sector I wanted to get into.”
“When I first got into contact with Ali, I had lost hope, my confidence was low, and I wasn’t feeling optimistic about where I would be in the future. When I had begun attending Mahdlo at first, I doubted that it would help me, but I was proven wrong. After a few weeks of attending, I began to feel much more positive about my future, my level of confidence had increased, and I actually had faith in myself. I was able to improve my skills for employability, and I felt a lot more prepared than I was.” Andrew Campbell, Mahdlo Member
Over 495 food parcels containing over 13,500 meals and 600 breakfast and meal pots at the weekends have been shared
“On Friday I received a food parcel from you…. I’d just like to say it’s greatly appreciated. This year I’ve been furloughed and then had my hours cut at work. We’re really struggling at the moment and your food parcel has really raised our spirits. It’s so different this year as every year I donate to food banks and usually a charity, but to be on the receiving end has been hard for me, but from the bottom of our hearts thank you. Now my son has a present to open on Christmas morning and food in the cupboard. Thank you so much to everyone involved for their generosity and kindness.” Parent
Christmas A-Z signs part 1🎄🎅✨#mahdloyz #christmas #BSL #youthclub #oldham pic.twitter.com/ygDi16Cfch
— Mahdlo Youth Zone (@mahdloyouthzone) December 18, 2020
397 Christmas hampers were given out locally, benefitting 2,200 people
“Thank you so much for your hamper. It’s just lovely. It’s the little kindnesses that have the biggest impact on people right now.” – Parent of Mahdlo member
To date 2,500 packed lunches have been distributed during the school holidays
“We cannot thank you enough for all you have done over the past few weeks. Our families were so grateful, and your impact did not go unnoticed throughout our community.” – Shan Potts, Holy Rosary School.
We also caught up with Mahdo member Leo who has been spending lockdown practicing scooter tricks... it’s definitely paying off!! pic.twitter.com/ySNPRrUiI0
— Mahdlo Youth Zone (@mahdloyouthzone) June 25, 2020
“I’ve made friends because of this project that I never would’ve spoken to before.” – Member age 17
The pandemic created a shift in the way we have been able to deliver youth work. With many community venues shut or at limited building capacity, our District Team put their concentration into delivering outreach. This provided a unique opportunity for regular interaction with families and young people in their communities, giving a more rounded picture of what the daily challenges were.
As a result the Team was able to tailor its offer to deliver:
Another Oldham fundraiser has risen to the Mahdlo #GiveFromHome Challenge!
— Mahdlo Youth Zone (@mahdloyouthzone) May 27, 2020
The ‘Strongman At Home’ Challenge will see Dave Lowe doing 150 widths of his own back garden, all while carrying an 80kg sandbag - or just an adult kangaroo!
➡️ https://t.co/yMuKbwnju3 pic.twitter.com/nn7YZ1l02i
In July 2020 walkers from across Oldham set out on their own sponsored walks, runs and treks to help raise vital funds for Mahdlo in our special 500 Miles for Mahdlo fundraiser. Between the amazing efforts of humans and dogs alike, over £2,500 was raised as people ‘proclaimed their love’ for the charity.
Read some of the stories here.