We believe children and young people in our communities have their potential limited because society does not value, resource or represent them. They do not have access to the same creative experiences and opportunities as children from wealthier families. Unfortunately, the cost of living crisis only further exacerbates the problems and the levels of neighbourhood deprivation they face “act as a barrier [to] engaging in the arts, which in turn may exacerbate social and health inequalities”.

In alignment with the New Philanthropy for Arts and Culture’s vision that the arts deliver a wider social remit, Ministry of Stories provides free access to creative programmes, which enable young people to explore their ideas, imaginations and opinions. We believe creativity changes lives - by supporting young people each week, our programmes build confidence, wellbeing and pride. We also give children ownership over their work and ask them to set the creative direction of our programmes.