ABOUT BELIEVE
Empowering care experienced Children Through Performing Arts
Welcome to Believe, a charitable organisation dedicated to advancing the education and well-being of care experienced children in the Dorset, Hampshire, Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole area. Through the transformative power of Performing Arts, we provide opportunities for children aged 6-16 to discover their talents, build confidence, and foster a sense of belonging.
Who will benefit?
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Believe will develop skills in Performing Arts, specifically Singing, Dance and Drama.
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Believe will aspire to support our student’s mental health, by providing an environment that is positive, safe, nurturing, understanding and fun.
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Believe will help build Life skills specifically, team working, social skills, confidence and independence.
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Believe will create opportunities for families to meet like minded families who share similar experiences, allowing students the chance to connect with peers from similar backgrounds.
There will be the opportunity for increased communication between the care experienced community within their local community. In addition, they will have increased access to areas of culture that have previously not been accessible due to cost and specific needs
The children will have the opportunity to attend one club consistently. If children move carers, they can still access this club for free no matter what the family’s financial situation. This will promote a sense of community and belonging.
Why Believe was formed?
Believe was formed by Performing Arts teacher Emily Edwards. Emily is a qualified teacher with QTS status and runs her own Performing Arts school where she has been a principal for 1 years. The classes will also be taught with Lydia Graham who is not only a qualified musical theatre teacher with over 20 years teaching experience but an adopter herself, so has first hand knowledge and experience with children from trauma backgrounds
One of the key points that has stood out in our careers over the last two decades is the difference that Performing Arts tuition can make to an individual. Particularly those from care experienced backgrounds. Not only does a student feel a sense of achievement and accomplishment from developing the Performing Arts skills of Singing, Dancing and Drama but they hugely benefit from the Life Skills that are developed along their journey. Confidence, self esteem, team work and social skills are a key focus. Students leave with increased belief in themselves and a sense of comradery and friendship that gives them strength as they journey through life. Emily and Lydia have seen this development first hand and the difference it has made to individuals from the care experienced community.
The aim of this charity is to make high quality Performing Arts tuition accessible to all these students. Of these children, often the reason care experienced children are unable to attend classes is linked to cost and inclusivity. We wanted to provide a club that is accessible, consistent and provides a place where they feel safe and free to be themselves.
Our Approach
Initially Believe will aim to run two x one hour classes per week. Students will have the opportunity to sign up for termly courses.
Classes will be free and taught be trained professionals with teaching qualifications and Trauma training
There will be a maximum of 12 students in each class in order for the teachers to be able to fully support all students, helping to build a sense of confidence, self esteem and familiarity.
Teachers have experience in teaching students with Special educational needs.
All teachers have experience in teaching students from care experienced backgrounds.
All teachers will have a thorough understanding of children in their care. A child’s needs will be thoroughly discussed before attending the class. This will allow lessons to be tailored to the class, avoiding subject material that could potentially be triggering.
These classes remove the pressure of shows and allow work to be shared in a more intimate, less pressurised environment.
Spaces will be given on a first come, first served basis and students will have the opportunity to attend for three consecutive terms, in order to give others the chance to attend.
Our Commitment to Safety
We take the safety and security of our students extremely seriously. Our teachers hold up-to-date DBS certificates and are on the Update Service. One teacher in each class will always hold a First Aid certificate. Our safeguarding measures include thorough risk assessments, thorough communication with carers, and strict adherence to data protection and health and safety protocols.
Join Us
Join us at the Allendale Community Centre in Wimborne, where we offer FREE termly courses designed to enrich the lives of care experienced children. Together, let's create a community where every child feels valued, empowered, and inspired to believe in themselves.
Get Involved
Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of care experienced children? We welcome volunteers, sponsors, and supporters who share our vision. Contact us today to learn more about how you can contribute to our mission.
At Believe, we believe that every child deserves the opportunity to shine.
Through the magic of Performing Arts, we're here to help them discover their potential, overcome obstacles, and believe in a brighter future.