The Big Give was a success!
WE DID IT!
In 2023-24 we provided over 700 free places to refugees and asylum seekers, allowing them to participate in high-quality arts, music and drama classes (with language support). We raised £14,974 of donations through the Arts For Impact campaign and this money will help us to extend this programme into 2025.
“After moving to London as refugees my son enjoyed two amazing courses in drama and music. The professionalism of the tutors, friendly attitude, and hospitality were the best experiences for my son. He found friends, improved communication, social skills, and learned a lot about music. Thank you so much, that was really remarkable and unforgettable days in his life!”
Natalia, from Ukraine
“I’m the oldest member of the Ukrainian choir at age 71. I’d like to say how much I enjoy the companionship and the opportunity to remember my traditions through song, and to dream and think of a happy future in our Motherland.”
Vladimir, Ukrainian choir member
“I remember the first day I went to my guitar class; I couldn’t even hold the guitar properly. But now I know a few songs, though I’m still learning. For me, the guitar is not just an instrument but a feeling, a refuge I turn to amid the chaos of war news."
Gorgin, from Iran
Greenwich and Lewisham have a high number of refugees and asylum seekers. Many do not have friends or family in the area when they arrive and they may not speak much English. Some are young children who arrive with a parent. They may have fled war or persecution, arrive with complex needs into a very different culture and are seeking therapeutic and social activities to help them find peace of mind and a sense of community.
The Conservatoire will provide refugees and asylum-seekers of all ages with free places in our high-quality Art, Music and Drama groups. The content will be tailored by experienced tutors and we have qualified arts therapists and language support available for those who need it. Some groups are just for refugees/asylum seekers, including our Ukrainian choir and weekly sculpture class, others are open to all. We run classes in term time plus many activities for children over the holidays.We’re thrilled to be able to take part in this campaign again, and to provide a source of joy, comfort, and belonging to those who need it.
We hope that participants will find a sense of community, both with other refugees/asylum seekers and with the tutors, volunteers and regular class participants, find new ways of expressing themselves and communicating with others, and explore their own and different cultures through the context of the Arts. As well as developing participants skills in the arts and welcoming them into our warm local community, we aim to support their mental health and well-being through the therapeutic benefits of the creative process, boosting emotional resilience and self-confidence.