A THEATRE people for young people has received emergency funding.

Arts Council England has financially supported Hampshire-based Theatre For Life.

This will help the organisation to run free online creative and wellbeing workshops during lockdown.

These were launched with the mental health charity Solent Mind for those between 14 and 25 years old.

Abigail Oakley, Team Leader of Solent Mind’s children and young persons service said: “Through our work with young people across the region, we know that the performing arts can offer a vital outlet for self-expression and building confidence.

"These workshops allow young people to forge new connections, share their stories and find new passions, all of which are important pillars of positive mental health."

Theatre for Life was founded by artistic director, Michelle Smith, who added: "Theatre for Life is a community led company that works to help and support young people thrive through the arts. During these very challenging and uncertain times, many young people are without their usual creative outlets and are needing more support with their overall wellbeing and mental health.

"Our work focuses on creative exploration, building emotional resilience and also uses mindfulness to provide tools for ongoing wellbeing management.

“Thanks to our funding from Arts Council England, and our already strong relationship with Solent Mind, we’ve been able to put together a programme of workshops that can really help to support our young people, restore their mindsets through these creative and therapeutic practices."