Impact Folks
#ImpactFolks
Cloth Cat Studios
The people behind it
Cloth Cat started in 1999 to promote the advancement of education and training in the arts, in particular in music. Working with vulnerable adults and young people from disadvantaged areas of Leeds, our service seeks to engage with those who might not otherwise have access to music courses and lessons. Cloth Cat is open to all including those with learning disabilities and mental health problems and seeks to promote social integration and tackle stigma.
Since the day it started Cloth Cat has been driven by a love of music that brings people together to use the power of music to express themselves, support their emotional wellbeing and help to improve their lives.
There are three paid workers in our small team – Shelly (full time), Katie and Joe (both part time) and between 12 and 20 volunteers. We also work with freelance tutors and contractors who run our classes and workshops, transport equipment or are sound engineers or comperes at our open mic nights and gigs (in pre-Covid-19 days).
What they do
Cloth Cat has a wide range of activities (either adjusted or postponed in line with Covid-19 restrictions):
- provide group music classes for 11 – 18 year olds (currently online)
- hire out PA equipment and sound engineers / DJs
- host weekly open mic nights (online)
- promote local and up and coming bands in Leeds at gigs and events
- provide music workshops in NHS mental health facilities
- deliver the Man About Town project supporting isolated men through musical activities (online)
- provide free musical instruments for people in need who take part in our projects in Leeds
Their Impact
Participants in our projects improve self-confidence and team work in social settings with like-minded people and develop new skills which can lead to performing, volunteering, employment or further training. We are currently seeking funding to set up a new repair and recycling project for unwanted musical equipment that will divert it from landfill and either be sold or re-homed with a person who might not otherwise be able to afford it.
How you can help them
- We have a great music related idea for dress down Fridays if your company holds these types of day then please consider connecting with us.
- We are seeking marketing and communications support from people who understand how companies use their social responsibility policies and how to connect a charity such as ours with a business in Leeds
- Looking for a charity of the year? Please consider Cloth Cat Studios
- Looking to hire equipment for outdoor events (when it is safe to do so)? We have full PA gear, sound engineers and bands and provide a full package with a marquee from our Community Canvas partners that will keep your event dry or cool.
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A volunteer social media / web developer with a marketing background
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A volunteer film editor / creator
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Expressions of interest to join our management committee
Agency For Good gave us excellent and expert advice which is supporting our work to be more effective. They really do what it says on their tin.
Agency For Good are an ethical marketing agency.
We provide completely free marketing consultancy, coaching and training to 3rd sector organisations to help you focus and improve your income and in turn your social impact.
In 2019 we delivered 419 hours to 111 charities and social enterprise and we want to increase this to 500 hours this year so please get in touch.
We also provide high quality but subsidised web design, graphic design, video, social media, SEO, PR and copywriting services.
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