At The Bunker CIC, we love seeing creativity used as a force for good—and this April, we were thrilled to welcome an exceptional group of young changemakers to our studios. The “Five Gems,” a group of Year 7 girls from Gosforth East Middle School, came together with a powerful mission: to raise awareness about Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes through the power of music.
The result? A heartfelt and inspiring original track titled Not Slowing Me Down—written, composed, and recorded entirely by the group during their visit to The Bunker.
The Five Gems—whose name reflects their tight-knit friendship and sparkling energy—brought passion, purpose, and creativity into every part of the process. Drawing from personal experiences and their commitment to inclusivity, they explored the realities of living with both forms of diabetes, tackling stereotypes and misconceptions while delivering a message of resilience and hope.
Not Slowing Me Down is more than a song; it’s a statement. With lyrics that highlight the daily challenges faced by people with diabetes and a chorus that echoes strength and empowerment, the track is a moving reminder that health conditions don’t define us—and that young people have a powerful voice in shaping the conversation.
From brainstorming lyrics and melodies to stepping up to the mic in our professional recording studio, the Five Gems showed talent and teamwork every step of the way. Our sound engineers were deeply impressed not just by their musical instincts, but by their maturity and insight in handling such an important subject.
We’re proud to have been part of this project, and even prouder to see The Bunker’s space being used to amplify youth voices in meaningful ways. Projects like this embody our mission—to provide a creative platform for young people to express themselves, connect with others, and make a difference.
Keep an ear out—because Not Slowing Me Down is just the beginning for the Five Gems.