THEATR Clwyd hosted a creative hub throughout the month of August to give educational and social support to young people during the coronavirus lockdown.

Working alongside Flintshire County Council’s social services and Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, the four-week programme saw 58 young people take part in free, socially-distanced activities at at the Mold theatre.

Participants included young people referred to the scheme social services, those with additional needs and the children of NHS key workers who had been in school since February.

Theatr Clwyd’s director of creative engagement, Gwennan Mair Jones said: “It’s vitally important that we support everyone in our community, whether the theatre is somewhere they’re familiar with or not.

"We’re finding valuable new pathways to tackling social, emotional and civic issues in our county. It has been an absolute joy to support this brilliant group of young people, many of whom were visiting a theatre for the first time."

The summer hub employed 28 creative freelancers as part of the Theatr Clwyd team, which saw young people taking part in a range of activities - from composing original songs and making new musicals, to sensory activities involving light, smell, texture and storytelling.

The activities were tailored for young people who are marginalised or excluded from mainstream education, focused on developing self-esteem, using creativity as a tool for expression, and nurturing social and communication skills, as well as demystifying the arts and culture.

Crayg Macleod, Flintshire County Council’s Senior Manager for Children’s Services, said: “The summer hub programme has been a massive success. The variety and quality of activities offered to children and young people is impressive. The theatre and staff have worked hard to deliver engaging activities that are accessible and fun. The programme demonstrates the value that collaborative working with creative partners can have for Flintshire’s young people. Theatr Clwyd’s work in reaching out and supporting communities and families is leading to experiences that empower and support the growth and aspirations of our young people.”

Live performance is returning to Theatr Clwyd this summer with outdoor shows during September. For more information visit www.theatrclwyd.com