Through a strategic contract with the local council, we have been proudly delivering adult learning courses to the vibrant community of County Durham for the past 9 years. Our diverse range of programmes, designed by us to include dance, fitness, and other enriching activities, have been created to enhance wellbeing, health, and employability skills, as well as improve functional skills. These courses are tailored to meet the needs of individuals from various backgrounds, particularly those facing challenges such as deprivation, disability, special educational needs, or disadvantage.

By providing outreach activities across various community venues in County Durham, we have been able to reach those who need support the most. Up to date we have worked with over 50 groups and centres supporting over 3000 individuals.  Our commitment to fostering inclusive and accessible learning environments has allowed us to make a meaningful impact on the lives of many.  Participants have not only gained valuable skills but have also experienced improved confidence and wellbeing. Together with the local council, we remain dedicated to empowering individuals and creating positive, lasting change within our communities.

In a recent short-term tender with Sunderland, we have successfully delivered a range of impactful activities designed to support older community members, parents and carers with young children, and individuals seeking to improve their mental health and stress management.  Through carefully curated courses, we have provided opportunities for 40 participants to enhance their wellbeing, build resilience, and develop essential life skills.  We have delivered the courses from our newly renovated community and youth hub and at Chillingham House – a local assisted living facility.

Our approach has been focused on addressing equality gaps by ensuring accessible and inclusive activities that cater to diverse needs. The success rates of our initiatives in Sunderland reflect our commitment to delivering meaningful, high-quality support that truly benefits the community. By empowering individuals with the tools and resources they need to thrive, we have fostered positive change and contributed to a stronger, more connected community.

Together with local partners, we continue to champion equity, wellbeing, and lifelong learning in Sunderland, creating opportunities for all to lead healthier and more fulfilling lives.

Under a dedicated contract with South Tyneside, we have delivered transformative dance and movement sessions at the Temple Park Centre for children and young people with profound Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and those facing challenging family situations. Our focus on using dance as a powerful vehicle to participation allowed us to support self-regulation, improve mental and physical health, and build resilience of our beneficiaries.
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Dance offers numerous benefits for children in these situations, providing a creative outlet that helps express emotions and reduce stress. For children with SEND, dance can enhance motor skills, coordination, and spatial awareness, promoting physical health in a fun and engaging way. Additionally, the rhythmic patterns and structured movements inherent in dance can significantly aid in developing concentration, memory, and emotional regulation, crucial for managing anxiety and behavioural challenges.

Our sessions have not only provided a safe and supportive environment for these young people but have also empowered them to connect with others, build self-esteem, and develop social skills. By fostering a sense of accomplishment and joy through movement, we helped them navigate their unique challenges with greater resilience and confidence. Together with the local community, we remain committed to nurturing the potential of every child through the life-changing benefits of dance.

Through our engagement with the HAF (Holiday Activities and Food) programme in Newcastle, we provide vital half-term support for children who receive free school meals and those living in difficult conditions and disadvantage. Our initiative focuses on delivering engaging dance, sport, and active games alongside a healthy lunch for children aged 5 and above during every half-term. By offering a wide range of activities, we aim to encourage physical activity, promote healthy lifestyles, and provide enriching experiences that foster personal growth and wellbeing.

To maximise accessibility and remove barriers to participation, we deliver these as an outreach activity in local community venues in Newcastle, ensuring that children and families from all backgrounds have the opportunity to benefit from this provision. So far we have worked with Fawdon Community Centre, Pottery Bank, Ouseburn Community Centre, Walker Activity Dome and in Newcastle parks during the pandemic. By creating inclusive and welcoming environments, we help children develop their physical fitness, social skills, and confidence in a fun and supportive setting. Additionally, our focus on healthy lunches ensures that children receive the nourishment they need to stay active and engaged throughout the day. Every season we support approximately 40 children.

We are dedicated to enhancing school curriculum through dance and movement in the North East. Our focus on CPD and curriculum enrichment ensures that every workshop and session we deliver is engaging, fun, and educational. We work with schools to create a dynamic environment where children can express themselves, build confidence, and develop physical and creative skills, while supporting them in their classroom learning and understanding of the subject matter.

Over the years, we have collaborated with many schools, offering both one-off workshops and extended day sessions tailored to their specific needs. Our most significant ongoing delivery is at Bridgewater Community Primary School in Newcastle and Fens Primary School in Hartlepool, where we provide regular, integrated dance sessions that complement the broader curriculum.

We recognise the valuable contribution that positive engagement makes to the development of skills in young people and we aim to improve learning and achievement and also to support school staff with their CPD.