We are Arts Education Exchange, a charity based in Margate, Kent. Since 2018, we’ve been delivering creative learning through art and music to young people age 11-25, who have barriers to mainstream education. In 2022/23 we worked with 137 young people. 60% of our young people were not in mainstream education, and 75% were identified as having special educational needs. For our young people, we are a life-line and our service is more in demand than ever. However, We have been unable to meet our fundraising target for 2025 and now we are at risk of closure. So we need your help to keep our doors open. With your help, we want to raise two years worth of rent and 1 years utilities. With rent covered, we could focus our fundraising efforts and resources on keeping our remaining staff salaries funded. With your help, we can keep our doors open to young people.
What we'll deliver:
- 2 years creative learning programmes for young people facing barriers to education
- Creative therapies for young people
- Advocacy and pastoral support for young people and their families
- School holiday activities
Why it's a great idea:
A successful campaign would mean we will be able to continue our vital services for young people in Thanet. That means we can deliver the following benefit:
- Continue to offer a safe, welcoming environment for young people
- 100 + young people accessing alternative, creative education every year
- Advocacy and support for young people navigating the education and social care systems
- Creative therapies for young people with mental health difficulties
- Annual exhibitions and events to showcase young people’s work with public audiences
Our service is a lifeline for young people, who have been undervalued and experience exclusion from mainstream education. We support young people to build trust and social confidence.
Outcomes for young people include:
1. Improve their mental health, general wellbeing and sense of belonging
2. Find pathways to continued learning and education
3. Develop creativity through and beyond the arts
4. Journey to meaningful and aspirational employment
Steps to get it done:
- Sign the lease for 2 years
- Secure salaries
- Continue creative education programme
- Offer creative therapies
- Organise public events to celebrate the creativity of young people
