The Level Arts Centre runs 'Youth Collective' sessions for young people aged 13 -18 years old, who are neurodivergent, have autism or ADHD. Within the group they explore a range of different contemporary arts experiences, away from the pressures of school or home, to give young people space and time to develop their interests and confidence. The group has become an important space for young people to socialise with their peers who have similar lived experiences.
'Youth Collective Too' is a 12 week project, funded by The Victoria Wood Foundation. It expands and builds on the existing Youth Collective sessions. The project is based around storytelling – empowering young people to design their own narrative, using different techniques to express themselves in ways that feel natural to them.
Over the 12 weeks, the group will have the opportunity to explore a range of creative practices, giving them the techniques they need to create their own collaborative piece. This could be an animation, a podcast, or even a comic book – the choice will be theirs. It’s all about building confidence in their own ideas and creativity.
Places on Youth Collective Too are extremely limited. A meeting is needed with the family / carer and young person to assess suitability for the group, prior to them starting. Sessions are free to attend (a voluntary £5 donation is welcomed) and run on Tuesday afternoons, 4.30pm to 5.45pm (non-consecutive).