Children’s charity, Simon’s Heroes, has agreed to fund the cost of hiring the hall at Two Rivers Primary School for IMPACT, a drama group for young people with additional needs.
IMPACT is based in Tamworth, and caters for young people aged between 10-21 years of age. 50% of the group have special educational needs including autism and learning difficulties. The group helps promote independence and self-confidence amongst its members as well as showcasing their acting talents.
The teachers observe a remarkable transformation in the youngsters that participate in the group. Even those students who struggle to read and write, demonstrate the ability to learn their parts and memorise their lines to perfection, thanks to the support and nurturing of the group.
IMPACT is run on a voluntary basis by Sue Fortune and her daughter, who is a drama teacher. It is financed by membership fees and members rehearse every Friday evening at Two Rivers Primary School. Sue and her family mostly fund and make all of the scenery & costumes themselves.
Sue reached out to Simon’s Heroes to see if it could provide any financial support to enable them to continue running the group and enter local drama festivals, where they have achieved notable success, even competing at national level!
The charity agreed to fund the cost of hiring the school hall where they rehearse, for a year, freeing up the proceeds from the membership fees to cover the costs of entering the drama festivals that mean so much to everyone involved.
The group recently performed in a festival at The Rugeley Rose Theatre:
‘The festival went really well and our students were praised for their teamwork and confidence. Two of our under 18s won an award for best female and male performance. We also received an award for the set and costumes. We were very proud of all the students and so grateful for the help that Simon’s Heroes has given us.’ Sue Fortune.
Author: C Abbott.
