An intergenerational dance company that helps young people creatively connect with older generations through dance is amongst a number of groups sharing in 1.3 million of dormant bank account funding.
Across the country 19 youth-led projects are celebrating £1,334,561 from the Young Start fund, which aims to help young people build confidence, skills and take an active role in realising their own potential.
One of the groups celebrating today is Barrowland Ballet, based in Glasgow’s East End, which receives £98,314 to deliver intergenerational dance workshops and performances.
The project, which is called ‘Wolf Pack’ will also provide three young associates places to volunteer and gain group facilitation and leadership experience.
Natasha Gilmore, Artistic Director of Barrowland Ballet, said: “We are thrilled to have been awarded three-year funding from the Young Start Fund.
“We passionately believe that dance is for everyone and Wolf Pack is a celebration of different generations collaborating.
“We provide a chance for young people to creatively engage alongside other members of their local community, develop new skills and create dance performances that give each of them an opportunity to express themselves.”
Isaac, 10, whose confidence has come on leaps and bounds since joining the dance company in 2017, is also looking forward to benefitting from the funding.
He said: “Before I started in Wolf Pack, I didn’t really think I could dance but now I know I can. I have so many good friends too. I feel much more confident than I used to.”
Also celebrating the news of new funding in Glasgow are Magic Torch Comics in Inverclyde.
Their £62,708 award will enable them to run Outside the Box – Community Comics, which will empower young people from marginalised groups to create comics that reflect the imagination, lives and stories in their community.
The young people will design, create and distribute their comic books at this year’s Comic Con. Paul Bristow, Magic Torch Director, said that they were ‘delighted’.
Announcing today’s funding, National Lottery Community Fund chairwoman Maureen McGinn said: “Young Start aims to support projects that are led by, and for, young people, giving them the best possible start in life.
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“All of today’s projects share an ambition to help young people grow in confidence and play an active part in realising their potential, and so it is with great pleasure that we announce this latest investment totalling £1,334,561.”
Young Start is delivered by The National Lottery Community Fund and awards dormant bank and building society cash to projects led by and for young people.
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