Our community groups have just started back for the year, and it’s lovely to have people back through the doors of Guide Bridge Theatre, catching up with friends, sharing stories and having a laugh.
And this year, we’re especially pleased to be back with a whole year of creative activity ahead of us.
We’re delighted to have received Awards for All funding from The National Lottery Community Fund, which will support our two community groups, Johnny Barlow Theatre Company and Hearts & Minds, over the year ahead.
So, first of all: thank you to National Lottery players.
A place to come together
The Johnny Barlow Theatre Company supports adults with learning disabilities and ongoing mental health needs, while Hearts & Minds is a group for people aged 60 and over. Together, around 45 people take part in our groups, and we’re hoping to welcome even more people over the coming year.
The funding will support our weekly creative sessions, with drama, storytelling, music, singing and gentle movement, alongside the all-important time for a cuppa, a chat and catching up with friends.
It means we can give our groups the time and space to build on what we already do, try new things and welcome more people into the mix.
Investing in what already works
Funding for community work can often be short-term, and it can sometimes feel like you have to come up with something completely new each time you apply for support. That’s why this funding feels particularly special to us.
The National Lottery Community Fund is recognising and investing in work that is already happening, already valued by our community and built on relationships that have grown over many years.
Having support for a whole year means we can plan ahead, listen to our members and develop the groups at a pace that works for them, rather than constantly looking for the next new idea.
For a small community organisation like ours, that feels both rare and precious. We’re really grateful that the value of ongoing, long-term community work is being recognised and supported.
Here’s to another year
So, as The Johnny Barlow and Hearts & Minds start another year, we’re looking forward to more creativity, friendship, ridiculous ideas, new skills, cups of tea and people surprising themselves.
Our project was made possible thanks to #NationalLottery players.
Thank you to everyone who plays. Your support is helping us grow and develop our community groups, welcome new people and create more opportunities for people to come together, be creative and be themselves.
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