Should the ‘SHINE’ project get enough votes, M6 could secure £10,000 to set up a new weekly youth theatre group for young people aged 12-19 living with disability.

The youth theatre will be the only one of its kind in Rochdale and will be based at M6’s Studio Theatre on Albert Royds Street.

Debs Palmer, M6’s Managing Director said:

“We are asking our wonderful, kind hearted friends, colleagues and supporters to help us make a world of difference to these young people’s lives by giving them the chance to engage in the arts on their doorstep, whilst they otherwise may not have the opportunity.

The project aims to empower disabled young people, who can feel very isolated outside of school, to believe they can shape a better future locally and provide them with the skills, confidence and a platform to ‘shine’. We want to deliver a project that will be a positive news story for Rochdale - let’s give our disabled young people a great chance to be part of something fun to raise their self-esteem and aspirations.”

Caroline Kennedy, M6’s Participation Manager added:

“This project could create a unique and really positive opportunity for many young people in the town living with disability. It’s really easy to cast your vote, it only takes a few clicks of the mouse. Anyone with an email address can get involved, so we are asking that people please spread the word.”

The inspiration for SHINE was born from a pilot project created in partnership with Barnardo’s Rochdale. Young people with disabilities who took part told us they felt ‘stigmatised, isolated, seen as less able’ and faced many barriers to getting involved in mainstream activities.

They took part in drama workshops and had the chance to perform in a sharing event at the end of the pilot. One parent, whose son attended said:

“I am overwhelmed at the change in my child over the weeks. He has come on from a tearful, nervous wreck, unable to socialise with unknown people to a more adaptable child. He has thoroughly looked forward to and enjoyed every moment.”

Your vote could be the difference in making the SHINE project a reality, giving young disabled people in Rochdale the chance to have fun, feel safe, connected and empowered, when otherwise they may not get the opportunity.

To cast your vote for the SHINE Youth Theatre project please click on the link and register your details:

https://community-fund.aviva.co.uk/voting/project/view/2860/ 

On behalf of M6 we thank you for your support!