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'They call this their second home'

BBC A boy stands in the crypt of an old church where music sessions are help for children. He is standing with his hands stretched out looking happy.BBC
Brandon is one of a number of children who attend the music club

"I've been coming here for three years. I feel on top of the world every time I sing."

Brandon, 14, stands in the converted crypt of a former church on the Isle of Wight, taking a short break from rehearsing with his band, Smile.

Describing where he is, he says: "It's called Aspire, it's a creative hub in Ryde for people to come and do music and have a good time."

The music club is part-funded by donations to BBC Children in Need.

Manager of the music club Meme Cullen sits in the crypt, surrounded by musical instruments
Manager Meme Cullen says the club is helping young people

The crypt is crammed with musical instruments and recording equipment, with professionals on hand to give lessons.

Manager Meme Cullen said: "Some of them come from poor families and have financial difficulties. Some have issues and struggles with certain diagnoses that they’re dealing with.

"A lot of our young people find it hard to find a place where they belong and we kind of are that space here for them. They call this their second home.

"If it was not for BBC Children in Need we would not be able to fund all of these projects that we deliver, we wouldn’t have half of the equipment that we have.

"It goes a long way, so a massive thank you to Children in Need."

Ruby is learning to play bass guitar.

"It’s got me out of my box in a way that I didn’t think I could have gotten out my box," she says.

"I’m still a very quiet person but a lot less timid around new people, I think."

Teenage girl Ruby plays bass in the church crypt. There are white exposed brick walls in the background and a drum kit and amplifiers behind her.
Ruby has been learning to play bass guitar during sessions in the crypt

Fourteen-year-old Ukrainian Tanya also attends sessions at the club.

"I came here about two months ago. I’m really enjoying being here," she says.

"Just come, don’t worry about anything, just do what you like."

Music practitioner Jess Ong adds: "A lot of the time when young bands start they might not be confident enough to sing by themselves on the stage, so we’ll sing with them.

"We’ll support them musically until they don’t need us anymore."

Children and adults sing songs in the church crypt
The Aspire Creative Hub is based at Holy Trinity Church in Ryde