A charity has received a massive cash boost to run a two-year music project for young Suffolk people living in disadvantaged areas.

Rock On is being launched by Suffolk Artlink, in partnership with Access Community Trust, for 11 to 25-year-olds in the Waveney and Suffolk Coastal districts.

The workshops will allow participants to try new instruments, develop skills through one-to-one mentoring and practise as part of a band.

The project has received more than £71,000 from the Youth Music Network, which distributes National Lottery cash through Arts Council England.

Suffolk Community Foundation and Jay Singer also contributed funds for Rock On.

Candida Wingate, Suffolk Artlink project officer, said: “Making music can make a huge difference to people’s lives.

“Rock On will explore ways of bringing people together through a shared love of music, helping them to develop their skills, build relationships, gain confidence, and improve their self-esteem.”

Dave Eagle, business support officer at Access Community Trust, said he was “delighted” to support Rock On.

He added: “As an organisation, we pride ourselves on being able to support individuals and promote social inclusion to those within the local community.

“There’s an old saying that goes ‘music speaks where words fail’ and what better way to express that than through a fantastic project such as this.”

For more information and a timetable of music session, visit www.suffolkartlink.org.uk.