Lyric life

REWIND is an arts based early intervention programme for young people aged 11-16 who are at risk of dropping out of school. The funding from the Big Lottery Fund, the largest funder of community activity across the UK, will re-engage participants with education through the use of theatre activities.REWIND creates a supportive, impartial environment focusing on building young people’s confidence. It challenges learners to work as a team and to rehearse alternative behaviours in a safe environment. Sessions are conducted at the Lyric, alleviating the pressures associated with classroom-based education; they explore issues relevant to the participants’ own lives and foster a group ethic of inclusivity and affirmation.

The project ends with a final performance devised by the participants, giving them ownership of their work. They achieve a Bronze Arts Award – for many this will be their first qualification, which is hugely significant for their development.

Last year, teachers noted the following benefits for students who took part in the REWIND programme:

• 100% – increase in confidence
• 100% – increase in motivation
• 90% – increase in focus
• 80% – improved attainment
• 90% – marked improvements in behaviour in the term after REWIND

Sian Alexander, Lyric Hammersmith Executive Director, said, “Our targeted projects, such as REWIND, specifically support young people who are disadvantaged. They are a vital part of the Lyric’s work and our community role, and they have a transformative impact on the young people who participate. We are so grateful to the Big Lottery Fund, and to National Lottery players who help to raise money for good causes, for this grant for our REWIND programme which will enable us to offer more life-changing opportunities to young west Londoners.”

Elly De-Decker, Senior Head of Regional Funding at the Big Lottery Fund, said; “Thanks to National Lottery players, Lyric Hammersmith are giving young people the tools they need to build their resilience and re-engage with education through art. We are proud to be supporting a great local project which supports young people to thrive.”

The majority of REWIND participants live in Hammersmith and Fulham, with others coming from the surrounding areas of Brent, Hounslow, Ealing and Kensington & Chelsea. Children are referred by schools, with the priority being schools with the highest pupil premium to ensure the project reaches West London’s most disadvantaged communities.

The Big Lottery funding will support the Spring term 2019 REWIND project. Other REWIND funders include BBC Children in Need and the Ernest Hecht Charitable Foundation.