So with the help of SEED, The Arts Council and later on the Town Council we put together HYA. Like all great things it was built around the kitchen table and from the scribbles and coffee stains, there emerged a CIC with volunteers, funding, places to hold sessions and above all else a burning desire to give Highbridge something good. The early sessions were challenging, we were over subscribed, grappling with COVID risk assessments, helping children to be together again while at the same time telling them they had to stay within their marked out circles (ropes on the floor was our solution!). Before we knew it we were putting a short piece together and the children performed at BOSFest in the park on a Sunday. In all my years of music gigs I don’t think I’ve ever been so nervous as that day but oh boy did they smash it, so many happy faces!
At HYA the creativity comes from the children, fees are voluntary, £2 a week. This has allowed us to reach children who otherwise wouldn’t access the arts. Inclusivity and community are key to us, we have several special needs children and they are just part of the gang, doing the same as everyone else. We have a solid group who come week in, week out, even in -6 degree temperatures. They challenge us as teachers to do more, grab their ideas and help them interpret, create, script, choreograph and perform. We don’t have rules, codes of conduct or other nonsense but we do have boundaries and respect which makes for a solid friendship group and children doing things because they really want to. The children have learnt how to support each other, develop confidence, ease anxiety and engage in their community.
