Drum and Brass CIC presents
Local people. Hidden talent. Real change.Local Heroes used music, creativity and community action to help six people discover their strengths and grow into leaders.
The barrier was often getting through the door.
Capability was already there.
Over twelve months, participants received training, mentoring, practical delivery opportunities and peer support. What began as volunteer training became a space where people could recognise what they already had to offer.
6
local people supported through a year of development
5 in 6
participants identified as neurodivergent
100%
of the programme aims achieved
£1,3657
invested to unlock lasting local value
“
Attendance was affected by anxiety, but performance wasn’t. Once people were there and got going, the anxiety went.
Julie Hoggarth, Project Manager
STRENGTHS BROUGHT INTO VIEW
The People achieved more than they gave themselves credit for.barrier was often getting through the door.
Practical activity revealed skills that formal evaluation forms often missed.
01 Leadership
02 Mentoring
03 Creative thinking
04 Safeguarding
05 Event planning
06 Community engagement
WHAT WORKED BEST
Learning became powerful when people could use it.
Every activity achieved a positive average score. The four highest rated activities were practical, creative and collaborative.
PLAYCATIONS
MAKING MASKS
PRIMARY SCHOOL SESSIONS
BRASS ENSEMBLE MASTERCLASS
INDIVIDUAL JOURNEYS
Confidence grew into action
Practical activity revealed skills that formal evaluation forms often missed.
01
Sandra
Helped develop a youth wellbeing resource and went on to manage Cumbria Youth Brass Band.
02
Chloe
Moved from low confidence to naturally mentoring new players at beginner sessions.
03
Cassie
Built the confidence to establish a new brass initiative of her own.
04
Raven
Planned activities, developed digital resources and supported mental health awareness work.
"To see the joy on children’s faces when they discover they can make music is priceless."
LEARNING FOR THE FUTURE
Design support around how people actually participate.
Practical activity revealed skills that formal evaluation forms often missed.
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Use shorter, modular programmes: Smaller milestones can maintain momentum while leaving enough time for trust and confidence to develop.
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Offer a named mentor: A band buddy or key worker can help people manage anxiety and navigate early barriers.
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Recognise achievement: A simple community arts qualification could turn newly visible skills into further opportunities.
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Prioritise practical learning: Hands on activity produced stronger engagement than classroom or online learning.
What becomes possible when people feel trusted?
Local Heroes makes a clear case for patient, flexible and inclusive community arts. Read the full evaluation to explore the evidence, participant feedback and recommendations.