A recent report by Children & Young People’s Mental Health Coalition highlighted links between mental ill health and child poverty, which has spiked since 2020. We know our work helps children to feel safe, improves fitness and contributes to wellbeing, but with rising cost of living pressures many families struggle to find the money for it. This means that the children who would benefit most from arts engagement are often least likely to access it, missing out on life changing opportunities.

Our Learning & Development team work with schools and communities in disadvantaged wards across the city to promote arts engagement. They often identify talented children who would benefit from attending regular Saturday School classes but without dedicated funding are unable to guarantee free access for those who need it. Funds raised through this campaign will ensure that bursaries are available, making dance more accessible by providing meaningful, long-term support to families.