A North East-born musician has received a special award and a letter from Boris Johnson for his efforts to boost mental health and help key workers.
David Green, who is from Gateshead and is known as Greenie, launched an online music academy which has been offering free classes to key workers and their children during lockdown.
And his RockAcad initiative has now received a Point of Light award from Mr Johnson who praised his work in an accompanying thank you letter.
Point of Light awards are made in recognition of outstanding UK volunteers who are making a change in their community and the Prime Minister wrote: "Thank you for all that you are doing to bring the gift of music to key workers and their children."
Through RockAcad, Green, a drummer and session musician, brings together experts in the music business to host a classes in a range of instruments and skills.
Knowing how music can boost mental health, the idea is to inspire budding musicians and help reduce the Covid fall out on their wellbeing.
And the decision to offer free lessons to key workers on the front line of the pandemic is what caught the Prime Minister's eye.
His letter said: "Among the many challenges we have faced in this battle against Coronavirus, few compare with the enormity of so rapidly reinventing education online.
"Through RockAcad’you are making music lessons free and available to those who are working so hard to keep our nation going."
Green, who now lives in London, said: “Me and the RockAcad team are very grateful and honoured to receive this award from the Prime Minister and Points of Light - it came as a complete shock when we were informed."
And calling key workers "the real award winners", he added: “We’re very happy we have been recognised in helping a cause which continues to highlight the great efforts the key workers are doing at the moment."
He said the team love helping people and the online classes are having a hugely positive response, including with families who are offered classes which fit in between home schooling lessons.
“The public reaction has been wonderful and I’m just glad we are helping so many people in a positive way," he said.
“We have been told by many of our customers that we have given them a release, an escape, and helped build their confidence, and I think that’s turned heads."
For more information on RockAcad, which offers a free 30-minute music consultation and currently also has 20% off its group packages, see here.
Free lessons are offered to key workers on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information on these email info@rockacad.com
