At Polka we believe every child has the right to enjoy live theatre and should have the chance to participate in the creative arts. Our Free for All programme gives children from disadvantaged backgrounds and those with disabilities the chance to do just that. Whether it's enjoying a trip to the theatre for the first time or taking part in a multi-sensory workshop, we know Polka makes a difference to these children's childhoods. “Children need the arts as much as they need fresh air… otherwise they perish on the inside” Philip Pullman, Author Last year more than 2,000 children benefited from Free for All. One teacher from St Mary’s School in Twickenham described how “Children that are usually very reluctant to talk about what they have done at school have been telling their parents and usually reticent children find themselves shouting out, dressing up and losing a few of their inhibitions... I can't over emphasize the impact it has on the children's literacy and communication skills, not to mention their self-confidence”. In the current financial climate, funding for Free for All is under severe pressure and the success of this campaign could be essential to the continuation of this strand of Polka’s work. It costs £500 to give 30 children the chance to visit Polka for the first time; but even small donations can make a difference. Please give generously to help us give children from every background the opportunity to enjoy an experience they will remember for a lifetime.