Communities Together dance sessions aid young people who face difficulties including anti-social behaviour, domestic violence, financial barriers, travel barriers, self harming, social deprivation and depression which impacts on level of engagement within the community. By offering a safe space for those in the areas above provides the opportunity to offer a support network that can aid the difficulties each young person faces. This grant would contribute towards the hire of four spaces in walkable distance for the young people involved to reduce any travel barriers, as its highlighted as an important factor. Funding would cover the employment and consistent training of highly trained practitioners for weekly sessions, as it is important to provide quality education and support, as we are predominately working with vulnerable young people. This allows to consistently building skill/confidence in a safe environment in order to work towards opportunities such as performing.

What we'll deliver:

• Deliver four regular weekly dance session for young people across Plymouth
• Provide a Dance Leadership Qualification for young people generating employability
• Hire of four accessible venues
• Organise regular community performances

Why it's a great idea:

Improve local health prospects. Plymouth have the lowest life expectancy in the South West due to serious deprivation. The life expectancy of a young person born in Devonport/Keyham is 17 years less than someone born in Plymstock. We will increase physical activity levels in each area. Improve ambitions: Young people in the chosen areas lack self-confidence, have a limited range of cultural experiences, lacking knowledge of what may be possible in terms of future education and employment. The areas have the highest levels of benefit dependency in Plymouth (*83.7%), largely due to low wages. 18.6 per cent of Plymouth children live in poverty (9,990 children), and the vast majority (76.9 per cent) are living in workless households. Providing Dance Leadership Qualification will aid future career prospects. Positive wellbeing: In the chosen areas, Hospital admissions of young people (aged 10-24 years) for self-harm in Plymouth are higher than the UK, each session support is provided.

Steps to get it done:

• At least 15 of the young people to achieve level 1 dance leaders qualification over the next 12 months
• All young people to display an increase in the following: Wellbeing, Confidence, Dance/performance skill, Communication
• We aim to reduce anti-social behaviour in all areas