Finding Her Rhythm: Emily’s Story

*Please note, the young person's name has been changed to protect their identity, and an actor has been used in the photograph.

Background

Emily joined Southend YMCA’s All In Music (AIM) project to help manage her anxiety. Due to the severity of her anxiety, she was unable to attend secondary school and was instead home educated.

A passionate and talented drummer, Emily’s parents referred her to AIM as she wanted to connect with other like-minded musicians and step beyond the isolation of spending most of her time at home. At that stage, she lacked opportunities to socialise or collaborate musically with others.

Initial Support and Engagement

Understanding Emily’s needs, we worked closely with her and her parents to create a safe and supportive environment. Sessions were carefully scheduled to avoid times when students from her previous school might be nearby, helping her feel more comfortable and reducing anxiety around being seen or judged.

When she first attended sessions, Emily was understandably shy and reserved. However, through one-to-one support with our tutors, she quickly began to adapt to the studio environment. Regular jam sessions, improvisation, and collaborative playing allowed her to build trust and gradually develop confidence in both her musical ability and social interactions.

Building Confidence Through Music

As Emily’s confidence grew, so did her readiness to take on new challenges. Our team recognised her progress and encouraged her to participate in a live performance opportunity at the Palace Theatre as part of Southend Makes Music.

Emily embraced this opportunity and performed in front of a sold-out audience. The experience of rehearsing, performing, and working as part of a band marked a significant milestone in her journey. It further strengthened her confidence and allowed her to engage socially with other young musicians.

Progression and Social Development

Following her performance, Emily became known among her peers as a reliable and skilled drummer, often stepping in to support other musicians and bands during performances. This role naturally expanded her social network, enabling her to form meaningful friendships.

A key moment in her development came during her first busking experience. Initially, Emily was highly anxious and reluctant to be without her mother’s immediate presence. However, during the day-long session, she reached a point where she felt comfortable enough for her mother to step away briefly - an important milestone demonstrating increased independence and confidence.

Wider Opportunities and Skill Development

Since then, Emily has participated in a wide range of live events, including:

• Teenage Kicks

• The Huge Hangout

• Local festivals

• Southend YMCA award events

• Theatre performances and showcases

• Busking sessions

She has also taken on additional responsibilities behind the scenes, such as helping with equipment setup, learning sound production basics, and ensuring instruments - particularly drum kits, were prepared for performances.

Ongoing Development and Achievements

After completing her one-to-one sessions, Emily progressed into group song writing and guitar workshops, expanding her creativity and musical skills. She has since secured a weekend job at a theatre, further building her independence and confidence in a working environment.

Emily is now studying music at college, where she continues to thrive. She performs with multiple bands, including one that regularly plays local venues, London gigs, UK festivals, and even tours across Europe.

Future Aspirations

Inspired by her journey, Emily has expressed a strong interest in becoming a drum tutor in the future - demonstrating her desire to give back and support others on similar paths.

Impact

Emily’s journey through the AIM project highlights the transformative impact of tailored, supportive, and creative interventions. From a young person experiencing isolation and anxiety, she has grown into a confident, outgoing individual with strong musical skills, an expanding social network, and clear ambitions for the future.

Her story reflects the core of Southend YMCA’s mission: “Everyone should have a fair chance to discover who they are and what they can become.”