University team makes donation to help care-experienced young people enjoy arts

The Initial Teacher Education (ITE) team at the University of Derby has donated £1,500 to Plus One, a joint initiative between Derby Theatre and other major arts organisations in the city, which provides young people in care, care leavers and their families with the opportunity to experience free arts experiences in Derby.

The ITE team had received the £1,500 as a prize for winning the ‘Excellence in Economic and Social Impact’ award at the University’s Staff Excellence Awards. The team were recognised for their achievements, which included receiving an Outstanding Ofsted rating, and for the wide range of school improvement and partnership activities they undertake. 

The team decided that they wanted to donate the money to a local charity and chose the Plus One project – a collection of Derby-based arts organisations and care services in the city and country that help to provide young people in care, care leavers, and their families, with the chance to experience live performances, films and activities.

Dr Sarah Charles, Deputy Head of Department in Professional Studies at the University of Derby, said: “We decided that the grant should be donated to a local charity that strives to have a positive impact on the children within the city. Staff and students alike recognise the importance of working with our local community and we felt this charity linked well to our ethos.”

Alix Manning-Jones, Cultural Education Producer at Derby Theatre, added: “We are absolutely delighted to receive such a generous donation from the team, and this will have a huge impact on the lives of young people in care and care leavers.

“Their gift will give more young people the chance to participate in regular workshops and longer-term projects, working with professionals from other art forms.”