Trust staff are shining a spotlight on an amazing York theatre group – which aims to remove the barriers preventing young people from engaging in the arts.
Access All Areas is part of the youth programme at York Theatre Royal and offers a zero-pressure environment for those aged from 12-16 to creatively express themselves.
Abi Collins, co-creation lead for CAMHS in North Yorkshire, York and Selby and project lead Temitope Ojewola recently took a look behind the scenes to find out more about its work.
“The group really is quite unique,” said Abi. “It offers a free, safe and positive place to empower young people and give them a voice through theatre and creativity.
“It is such an inspiring project, and everyone was very welcoming on our visit. We were even treated to a preview of the group’s new play on inclusivity, which was amazing.”
Our Trust enjoys a special partnership with the Theatre Royal through community connector Lydia Crossland – who has provided show tickets for young people involved in CAMHS.
A party of young people enjoyed a trip to the pantomime just last Christmas, and plans are now being drawn up for a visit to the spring production by Access All Areas.
“Lydia is also planning an innovative project to create a video explaining the aims and objectives of AAA, which young people from York and Selby CAMHS can access,” said Abi.
“This will be a great piece of work and both AAA and Lydia get a huge thank you from all of us at CAMHS.”
- To find out more about Access All Areas see here: Access All Areas | York Theatre Royal