CWP Energy is proud to announce its support for the East Lothian Youth Music Forum (ELJam), helping to fund new digital music-making opportunities for young people across East Lothian, with a particular focus on the Dunbar and East Linton Ward. The funding will contribute towards the purchase of DJ and digital music-making equipment, increasing opportunities for young people interested in contemporary music skills such as DJing and electronic composition. The equipment will be used across schools, libraries and community venues, ensuring access to high-quality creative opportunities close to home.
ELJam, delivered by East Lothian Council’s Arts Service, works with more than 350 young musicians, organisations and professionals. Recent consultations have shown strong demand from young people for greater access to digital music, particularly in Dunbar, where participatory music activity continues to grow through partnerships with local schools, community organisations and festivals.
The new equipment will complement existing practice studios, and an upcoming instrument-lending service based in East Lothian libraries, including the Bleachingfield Centre. Together, these initiatives aim to remove barriers to participation, build confidence and skills, and support wellbeing through creative expression.
Councillor Colin McGinn, Cabinet Spokesperson for Community Wellbeing and Sport, Countryside and Leisure said: “Participating in music making activities has a positive impact on wellbeing raising confidence and self-esteem as well as improving mental health. Providing opportunities for social interaction through creativity supports our young people to develop skills for life and have lots of fun!”
The funding has been awarded through the BeGreen Dunbar initiative, which is supported by CWP Energy and reinvests in projects that deliver lasting benefit for local communities.
Anouska Woods, BeGreen’s Community Coordinator, said:
“Projects like those led by East Lothian Youth Music Forum show the real value of community funding. By working in partnership with CWP Energy, BeGreen can support initiatives that give young people positive, creative opportunities and strengthen the cultural life of Dunbar and the surrounding area.”
The new digital music equipment will begin supporting workshops and sessions in the coming months, helping to create accessible, inspiring pathways into music for young people across the region. To find out more about this visit www.eastlothian.gov.uk/ElJam
