COVID 19 has affected all of us, but especially young people. A recent Young Minds report found 83% of young people felt their mental health has worsened during the crisis, and a Beatfreeks report found 58% of respondents said that COVID-19 has left them unsure about their futures. It has eroded confidence, taken away schooling, friends, family, safe spaces and access to the arts. It is further isolating the isolated and impacting negatively on those from Black, Asian and deprived backgrounds.

We believe arts and culture have a vital role to play beyond the crisis - enabling young people to express themselves, develop their skills and reimagine their future. Our Education Network was paused due to the pandemic, but will fully return from Jan 2021, with specialist Learning Artists returning to primary, secondary and SEN schools to offer 15,000 young people weekly access to creativity as they rebuild confidence & skills throughout the school year.