The concept was to work in partnership with Hove Station staff, SupaJam College in Hove, Mind in Brighton & Hove and the SCRP to support students from SupaJam in putting on a Christmas-themed busking event at Hove Station. The aim was to enable students to plan the event, including carrying out risk assessments etc, as part of their college course, and to raise money for Mind in Brighton & Hove mental health charity.
SCRP Line Officer acted as the liaison between all partners to identify and agree a suitable time and date for the event. The date was set for 11th December 2024 between 2 and 4pm. Station staff decorated the ticket hall at the station and dressed up for the event. The station staff undertook a safety briefing with all the students and staff from the college prior to the music starting. The students prepared all the documentation required for the event and were fully supported by college staff to make the event a success. SCRP Line Officer and volunteer for Mind collected all donations for the charity.
The event was hugely successful with passengers, staff and volunteers alike having a great time. £128.00 was raised for the charity during the 2 hour event. The students thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to sing in this public space and have already asked to do more busking in the Summer. The Mind Charity were also delighted with results and will ask their own volunteers to attend the next event.
“I was passing, can I stay and listen for a while?” “It’s joyous” “It’s so lovely, I feel quite emotional” “You look around and everyone is smiling” “Music unites everyone” “It’s lovely, thank you so much”