Just at a time when our new government is concerned about the mental health and welfare of our young people, Hampshire County Council have announced that they no longer have the funds to support Wessex Dance Academy, an award-winning project that takes vulnerable 14-17-year-olds, who are at risk of getting into trouble, and teaches them life skills through a 12-week programme of contemporary dance.

They benefit from routine, structure and mentoring through learning challenging dance routines and the art of working together.  At the end of the programme, they give a performance on a professional stage that anyone would be proud to be part of.  What they achieve is quite remarkable and, inevitably, tears flow as this extraordinary experience comes to an end. 

Hundreds of young people have had their lives transformed since this life-changing programme began in 2009.  Amazingly, it is the only programme of its kind in England for young offenders, those at risk of offending due to exclusion or non-attendance at school or those who have had a bad start in life for a variety of reasons. 

Referrals come from Children’s Services, Youth Courts, Social Services and Education.

With encouragement, understanding, routine, a healthy lifestyle, and direction these troubled teenagers learn about trust, responsibility, working together, friendship, self-control and a sense of belonging.  Their self-confidence grows along with their self-esteem. It is physically tough but they come to love it and help each other to respond to all the challenges they face.  The success rate is very impressive.  With ongoing support, graduates return to education, take apprenticeships, go to university and even go on to become professional dancers.

The managers, dance artists and support staff are all dedicated, remarkable people and a team of 25 volunteers also willingly give their valuable time to mentor, serve lunches, interact with the young and provide a parental, family backdrop every day.   We benefit from being with these brave young people as much as they do from mixing with us.

It would be a tragedy if Wessex Dance Academy could no longer help troubled young people turn their lives around.  Sadly, this amazing project will come to an end in December this year if vital funding cannot be found from another source.

Joan Ferrer and Kate Cooper,

Volunteers,

Old Farm,

Ashton,

Bishop’s Waltham

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