YOUR STAGE AT THE FORUM – PUTTING YOUTH WELLBEING CENTRE STAGE
The Millennium Forum recently launched the brand new Your Stage project (developed from its hugely successful, Happy Stage), and welcomed the continued collaboration with local charity, ARC Fitness and new funding from the Arts Council NI and the Baring Foundation. Led by local young people, this creative project explores positive mental health in a creative, supportive setting. Through weekly sessions, participants learn from professional arts facilitators and health professionals, working towards various performance opportunities. Sessions include workshops in mindfulness, fitness, drama and dance, with the emphasis on managing emotions and exploring coping strategies.
Speaking on the launch, Cara McCartney, Creative Engagement & Development Manager with the Millennium Forum, said:
“I am very grateful for the support of both ARC Fitness and the Arts Council NI to help us deliver this very worthwhile youth project. As a registered charity, funding is vitally important to us, particularly in this difficult environment when arts organisations are facing increasing financial pressures and public funding for the sector is becoming more constrained. The Forum is incredibly thankful to all funders and sponsors who continue to support our young people by giving them the opportunity to utilise such worthwhile projects.”
Lorraine Calderwood, Development Officer, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, said:
“The Arts Council of Northern Ireland is delighted to support Your Stage thanks to National Lottery funding through our Arts and Mental Health Partnership Programme. There is a fantastic creative and supportive team behind this project and I’m looking forward to seeing the positive impact these sessions have on the mental health and wellbeing of young people in Derry~Londonderry.”
Gary Rutherford, Founder and CEO of ARC Fitness, added:
“ARC Fitness is proud to partner with the Millennium Forum on the Your Stage project. This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to promoting positive mental health and emotional wellbeing in our community. By combining creativity, movement, and connection, Your Stage gives young people a safe and supportive space to explore healthy coping strategies and build confidence through self-expression. It’s inspiring to see the power of the arts and fitness come together to make a real difference in young lives.”
Your Stage is currently running at the Millennium Forum across weekly sessions on Wednesdays (6pm-8pm) and Saturdays (3pm-5pm). It is suitable for Year 8-Year 14 students (ages 11/12 to 18). For more information, anyone interested should contact Mags Anderson at the Millennium Forum by email to magsc@millenniumforum.co.uk or visit the Forum’s website: https://millenniumforum.co.uk/creative-learning/learning-projects/your-stage where they can register their interest.
ENDS