a mind apart - Supporting Accessible Music Holiday Clubs for Sheffield Children and Young People
We are pleased to support A Mind Apart Theatre Company and their Music Holiday Club project, helping to ensure that children and young people across Sheffield can access creative, inclusive, and music-based activities during the school holidays.
Holiday clubs play a vital role for many families, particularly those facing financial hardship or caring for children with additional needs. School holidays can often bring increased isolation, reduced access to structured activities, and additional pressures for parents and carers. Accessible holiday provision helps address these challenges by offering safe, supportive environments where young people can learn, socialise, and thrive.
A Mind Apart specialises in creating trauma-informed, inclusive spaces for children and young people, including those with SEND, anxiety, behavioural needs, and other barriers that can make mainstream activities difficult to access. Their Music Holiday Club will provide opportunities for participants to explore music through singing, rhythm work, songwriting, instrument-making, and creative wellbeing activities.
Music can be a powerful tool for self-expression, confidence-building, and emotional regulation. Through engaging and supportive sessions, children will be encouraged to develop new skills, build friendships, and experience the joy of creativity in an environment where they feel safe, valued, and understood.
The project is particularly important because it seeks to reach children who may otherwise miss out on holiday activities. While some support exists through Free School Meals programmes, many vulnerable families do not meet eligibility criteria despite facing significant financial challenges. This funding will help provide free and subsidised places, ensuring that more children can benefit regardless of their circumstances.
We recognise the importance of holiday clubs that go beyond simply keeping children occupied. Projects like this create opportunities for personal growth, improve wellbeing, reduce social isolation, and provide positive experiences that can have a lasting impact long after the summer holidays have ended.
We are delighted to support A Mind Apart as they continue expanding access to music and creative opportunities for children and young people across Sheffield, helping to ensure that every child has the chance to discover their potential through the power of music.