BLAST Youth Theatre awarded BBC Children in Need funding
We are thrilled to announce that BLAST Youth Theatre has been awarded funding from BBC Children in Need to support our work with vulnerable young people in Southend and Basildon.
This incredible grant will cover the costs of running our free weekly drama sessions for the next three academic years (September 2025 – July 2028), as well as providing opportunities for the young people to share their work through public performances in the community.
At BLAST Youth Theatre, we aim to help young people overcome barriers to learning and integration, while reaching their full potential through creativity. Thanks to BBC Children in Need, we’ll continue to provide a safe, inclusive and inspiring space where young people can:
Improve communication and spoken language skills
Learn new creative and transferable life skills
Build confidence, self-esteem and a positive self-image
Raise aspirations and develop a sense of ownership and belonging
Support their mental health and wellbeing, reducing social isolation and loneliness
Increase engagement with the arts and wider community activities
Our drama and spoken word sessions are tailored to the children’s interests and learning needs. Activities are designed to support communication, language development, and emotional wellbeing, ensuring they are accessible and inclusive across ages and abilities.
BLAST Youth Theatre is proud to be delivered in partnership with Welcome to the UK, Signpost (Basildon), and the Towngate Theatre, Basildon – working together to ensure that every young person has the opportunity to thrive.
“This support from BBC Children In Need means BLAST Youth Theatre can continue to change lives by giving children a safe, creative space to grow in confidence, build resilience and feel a true sense of belonging.”
We are so grateful to BBC Children in Need for believing in the power of creativity to transform lives.
