19 year-old Quil explains how Jack Drum Arts has provided a safe space during COVID-19 to meet new people in County Durham, boosting her confidence, drive and mental wellbeing.

 After moving around the UK for over 2 years, Quil arrived in County Durham at the beginning of 2020, just before the first COVID-19 lockdown.

 At this point in Quil’s journey she considered herself selectively mute, inexperienced in terms of social interaction, had poor mental health and was isolated both rurally and socially outside of her immediate household.

Making new friends during COVID-19

 Quil began engaging with Jack Drum Arts in September 2020 when the doors were re-opened for in-person activities. She first attended Rock Band to pursue her love of piano, keyboard and violin, and as the months passed and her confidence grew she extended her participation to include the weekly Games Night sessions.

 In Summer 2021, Quil joined the new Virgin Money Foundation funded #iwill project, overcoming her anxiety to take part in a youth residential and putting herself forward to be on the Jack Drum Arts Youth Board.

 Over the last 6 months, Quil has been a hugely proactive member of the Youth Board, helping to plan bi-monthly masterclasses, participating in workshops with new artists, featured in a music video about climate change and more recently attended another youth residential to help plan BOP Fest; a large-scale green festival due to take place Sunday 14th of August 2022.

 Quil said:

“Since we moved here I didn’t really socialise, then I came along to Rock Band after [my] Mum did an Art course with Jack Drum Arts. I saw the list and picked out Rock Band because music is fun and social.”

“I felt like an alien when I arrived in the North East, the college I went to didn’t provide a safe environment for me. Coming here [Jack Drum Arts] gives me an opportunity to interact with other young people and take part in things I ordinarily do alone.”

“Opportunities to practice my social skills were very few before now. I felt very out of practice. It can be exhausting, but sessions like Games Night and being on the Youth Board provide ways for me to interact on my own terms.”

 Quil’s Future

 Quil is also about to submit her Bronze Arts Award for moderation through Trinity College London and is pursuing funding opportunities with her Key group for Social Action Projects in the near future.

Quil’s Mum Jenny also commented:

“Quil has flourished since she’s been at Jack Drum. The difference in her confidence and enjoyment of life has increased hugely.”