A theatre project funded by BBC Children in Need was recently visited by critically acclaimed actress, Michelle Fairley, best known for her role in Game of Thrones, Harry Potter and Gangs of London.
Michelle visited Stage Beyond in Culmore Community Hub in Derry to meet children supported by the BBC Children in Need funded project, an opportunity to see first-hand how the public’s donations go on to change young lives and make a positive impact in the community.
Across Derry , BBC Children in Need currently funds 38 projects to a value of more than £2.2million
Stage Beyond, an inclusive theatre project which has been running for 20 years, is currently funded by Children in Need with a three-year grant of £30,000 to deliver tailored drama based workshops for children and young people of mixed abilities.
Some of the children supported at Stage Beyond have learning difficulties, experience speech and language difficulties and may live with vulnerable siblings.
The funding covers staffing costs for six facilitators as well as project support costs; props, costumes and art supplies.
The project helps many of the children and young people to socialise, make friends and feel comfortable enough around others to express themselves.
Stage Beyond use drama as a therapeutic and confidence building tool to help the children and young people connect with each other and their community, increasing confidence, self-esteem and expression to lead a happier, more fulfilled and independent life.
On her visit, Michelle was able to shadow a drama workshop, engaging in fun group activities with the children and project workers.
Michelle witnessed first-hand the tailored support delivered to children facing different challenges and how drama is used to support their development and enable them to have fun and make friends in a safe, trusting and welcoming environment.
Following the visit, Michelle said: “What a wonderful experience visiting Stage Beyond. The children and project workers were so welcoming.
"It was incredible to see how the drama workshops at Stage Beyond have increased the children’s confidence. They were all having so much fun, are so eloquent and respectful of each other, a pure joy to see and be around."
BBC Children in Need funding is vital to projects such as these, as Michelle said: “Without the funding from BBC Children in Need, these workshops would not be available to these wonderful children. It was a fulfilling opportunity to see how the charity supports the local community in Northern Ireland.”
Dee, Artistic Director at Stage Beyond said: “Everyone at Stage Beyond is so excited to have had Michelle visit one of our workshops, to see first-hand the support we offer to a group of incredible children.
"Michelle was fantastic, she really got involved with the activities and it was a great opportunity to speak to such a talented actress. Thanks a million to BBC Children in Need for the funding so we can continue our vital work in the community - these workshops wouldn’t be possible without them.”
Fionnuala Walsh , National Head for Northern Ireland at BBC Children in Need said: “This inclusive drama project helps young people have fun with friends, develops their confidence, self-expression and self-esteem.
"To have Michelle visit to see first-hand the support Stage Beyond deliver was just fantastic. Thanks to your generous donations, we’re able to help make a real difference to young lives in local communities that need our support the most.”
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