A Cwmbran recording studio supporting disadvantaged youths, which was devastated by fire, is set to receive over £1,000 worth of musical instruments thanks to Techniquest.
Social Soundwaves will receive a donation of six instruments along with two mixing desks, from the Cardiff-based educational charity, which is aiming to support learning opportunities throughout the local community.
This generous donation comes after a blaze tore through the studio in February leaving Social Soundwaves founder Gareth Leaman “devastated”.
The creative arts education service, which aims to develop the creativity of youths struggling with anti-social behaviour, alcohol and substance misuse, was among numerous buildings at the Avondale Business Park which were gutted by the fire.
Mr Leaman said he was “delighted” with the donation which would significantly contribute to his efforts to rebuild the integral community facility.
He said: “We lost absolutely everything in the fire, we lost about £16,000 worth of equipment which was devastating.
“This donation has been so helpful in rebuilding Social Soundwaves. We really can’t thank Techniquest enough.
“I was especially pleased as it was Techniquest supporting us, as I love it there! I have been going there since I was a kid and I was there again last week.
“It has been so amazing the support we have had from the local community. I always had faith people would help us, but I really didn’t expect all of this.
“I think people have been really generous as they can see that this project really supports the people who really need it.
“This donation means such a great deal to us, and more equipment means we can organise more projects and support even more people.”
Alongside Social Soundwaves, Techniquest has also donated 15 musical instruments worth £1,170 to the Touch Trust including a guitar, three soprano xylophones, two bass xylophones, one octet split drum, and two bongos.
The instruments will be used by Cardiff-based charity Touch Trust to provide creative movement programmes for individuals with learning disabilities, those on the autistic spectrum, and vulnerable groups in the community.
In total Techniquest, which runs a science discovery centre in Cardiff Bay, has donated 21 instruments, which it acquired from its Musiquest exhibition, worth over £2,000.
Techniquest CEO Lesley Kirkpatrick said: “As an educational charity we understand that charities, like ourselves, rely on the goodwill and support of the local community and wider business community.
“As we are always striving to support progression and innovation in the local community, we felt that it was entirely fitting that these instruments were donated to both these deserving organisations, which also inspire beneficial change through learning.
“These organisations make a significant impact to the lives of so many youths and families across south Wales with their creative programmes, inspiring people to overcome their personal challenges through positive means.
“We are privileged to be able to support their outstanding work and hope these instruments help to enhance learning, skills, and creativity for years to come.”
The instruments were presented to members of both organisations by Mrs Kirkpatrick on Thursday at the Cardiff-based science centre.