THE growth of a music group at the Swindon Foyer was celebrated yesterday with a special performance involving the local MP.

South Swindon MP Robert Buckland picked up a tambourine and joined in with a band put together for the youngsters who use the centre.

Over the past year, the Foyer has helped to house more than 140 vulnerable young people and helped them to improve their employment opportunities.

Among the activities on offer to the young people is the music group, which has grown significantly in the last 12 months, with funding provided by the Shaftesbury Partnership.

With the 10 members, the band is now booked to play numerous gigs over the Christmas period at businesses and hostels.

One member is 24-year-old Ryan Meehan, who said: “I have been living at the Foyer for about nine months. I heard about the group and came down and have been playing with them ever since.

“I’m into music and it is really good. I wouldn’t be playing if it wasn’t for this group. It’s really good to have the opportunity to play in front of groups.”

Ricardo Russan, 25, plays guitar with the group and says he wants to work in music so this is the perfect opportunity for him.

“At the moment we play mainly covers but I think we will soon start playing original stuff,” he said.

“I have been playing music for about six or seven years so I really like being able to carry on playing.”

As well as playing three songs with the group, Mr Buckland also spoke with a number of youngsters about the work the Foyer does to help young people not in education, employment or training (NEET).

He said: “It’s great to be invited to the Swindon Foyer. I was really keen to hear about some of the stories from young people who live here as well as some in the satellite house.

“It was really encouraging to hear about some of the work placements which have led on to full time employment. It is a success story for NEET figures which are coming down year-on-year across Swindon.”

Deborah Schofield, the Supported Housing Manager at the Foyer, said: “All the young people were homeless and the majority were unemployed.

“We are currently looking for more firms who may be able to provide work placements.”