Little Lives UK are pleased to announce a donation to Magpie Dance in Bromley to help to support a summer dance school. We had been inspired by the work they carry out and have carried out for the past 36 years, helping those with learning disabilities.
40% of people living with learning disabilities experience mental health problems at any point (compared to 17% of general UK population), made worst by some living in challenging family environments, experiencing discrimination and having fewer friends. There is a chance those with difficulties will live a more sedentary lifestyle, with over 80% participating in levels of physical activity below the Department of Health recommended level. Magpie Dance’s work is vital to the improvement of young people’s lives in their mental and physical health.
MD are a community charity who aim to help young people with learning difficulties to realise their true worth within community and to help grow their confidence and, especially during lockdown, the chance to interact with others and dance and be with each other.
With help from the donation which has been used towards a lead and assistant dance assistant and musician, the Magpie Dance Summer School has given young people with learning difficulties the first opportunity since the March 2020 COVID Lockdown a chance to dance together in person and participate in much needed physical activity. Because those with learning and physical difficulties have been deemed the most ‘at risk’ during the pandemic, classes had been moved online, but with some participants wary or unable to participate at home, the summer school has given these individuals a great opportunity to once again dance and have fun with others.
Around 30 young disabled people will take part in a summer school over numerous days, working together with Dance Facilitators and live musicians to create their own dance routines.
These will be shared with family, friends and peers at the end of the Summer School. These activities will enable the young people a chance to reengage with live dance activity in a safe and accessible environment, working with friends and familiar Magpie Dance staff. The aim of the summer school is to raise the self-esteem and confidence of the participants.
Due to cuts to funding from local authorities, the emphasis of MD has shifted to providing the basic social care and support that the children need, that has become increasingly difficult to obtain. The donation from Little Lives UK has been helpful to the project to ensure that the children who enjoy coming to the sessions can enjoy their time with others and participate in physical activity which has been missed out during the lockdowns.
To be in with a chance of receiving a donation from Little Lives UK, please apply through our ‘Children’s Community Support Programme’ on our website.
