The Lowry theatre stresses importance of Children in Need donations

The Lowry theatre have reinforced the importance of public donations to BBC Children in Need towards their Arts for Social Change program.

Our grant from @BBCCiN funds our life-changing Arts for Social Change programme, supporting children and young people facing some of life’s toughest challenges through the power of the arts. https://t.co/w7pk0lpm18

We’re There For You ❤️ pic.twitter.com/OcsiCYME6N

— The Lowry (@The_Lowry) October 3, 2022

The Arts for Social Change program offers support to young carers, young parents, children and homeless youths.

The theatre recently received a grant from the BBC, which has provided the main funding for the program – with the post cementing the importance of the public’s donations to causes like Children in Need.

The Lowry has worked in partnership with Salford Young Carers Service to support children with caring responsibility for the past five years. The work has helped over 200 young carers and impacted the lives of over 2000 children.

The program also focusses on young parents from across the Salford area, working in tandem with Salford City Council – offering creative activities in Local Sure Start Centre’s that help develop school readiness in their children.

Its biggest effect is on youth homelessness, with the program raising £25,000 to fund an annual creative program for any young people who suffer from homelessness.

According to its website, the program is led by well trained practitioners and artists to “use creativity as a way for people aged 16-25 to come together and engage in creative activity which will enable them to develop new skills.”

Pudsey the bear statue outside the BBC offices. Image credit: Dan McNeice

Speaking on the programme, Julia Fawcett OBE, the Chief Executive for the Lowry said: “The Lowry has developed a programme of work over recent years which have enabled us to work in partnership with local organisations to support some of the most vulnerable children and young people in our city.

“We are committed to working alongside our local community and believe arts and culture have a vital role to play in standing alongside colleagues in the city to enable positive change.

“Homelessness is a far wider and more complex issue than most people realise. Of course, the most visible aspect is those who face sleeping rough on the city’s streets – but there are also thousands of young people reliant on emergency or temporary accommodation for a variety of reasons, who are extremely vulnerable.”

Its no surprise that the Lowry has received support from Children in Need, as distance between the BBC and the Lowry is a mere four minute walk: