KIDS IN CONTROL Kids in Control (KIC) Rebrandlng to Rogue Encounter Report & Financial Statements Year andlng31•t March 2024 ROGUE ART IS ABOUT EVERYTHING & FOR EVERYONE! ENCOUNTERS Company Address: Beat Carnival Centre, 1147 Boyd Street, Belfast, BT13 2GU Website: www..kid.sinc.ontrol.c.o.llk Company Number: N1032412 Charity Number: 10033
ADMINISTRATION Organisation Chart Board of Directors Management Committee Company Manager Arti$tlc Dlrectoi Project Admlnlstrotor Outreach Dlrector Welfare Offlcer 2xnew mente6 facilitators Workshop Support Siaff - Creatlva As8i8tants BOARD STRUCTURE KIC has a voluntary Board of members (m8de up of representatives from the education, disability, voluntary, and business sectors), which is serviced by the Company Manager. The Board meets 618 times a year. Its remit is to oversee all company activity, providing guidance, good governance, safeguarding the vision and ensuring the company develops as a model of best pr8Ctice. In addition, Board members participate in sub- committees to support specific areas such as finance and marketing orto drive poLicy or change in areas such as Safeguarding. The KIC Committee receives Board and Governance Training through Arts & Business. Members will continue to receive training opportunities in a variety of areas from business to SOCi8l media. We have a strong and diverse Board and overthe next 3 years we plan to increase and strengthen Board membership and sub-committees further. BoardMembors2024.' Mary MuLlan (Directorlchair), Nicholas Moore (Director), Lorraine Frew (Director) David 88LI (Treasurer), Joanne Atkinson (Secretary), Andrew Potter. Nicholas Moore. Robert Will, Stephen Black
Key skills- Board members: Financial Management. Business skills. Administration. Secretarial. Social Welfare. Disability. Arts education. FormaL education. Risk Management. Marketing. Event Management. Fundraising and Sponsorship development. Data Analysis. Public Speaking. Problem Solving. Team Leadership. Stakeholder Management. Data Visualization. Creative Writing. MentaL HeaLth. Innovation & Entrepreneurship. Inclusion. ICT. Engineering. Councilor. EditoriaL. Writer. Senior Investigative Off icer. Mary Mullan- KIC Directorlchalr Mary is also the seniorwelfare Officerwith KIC. Founding member and Management Committee member of Brook ChiLdren Together. supporting special needs young people in the Twinbrook area. Community activist in Twinbrook. Chairfor the Colin Health For ALI management committee and on the Management Committee for St Lukes Childcare Committee in Twinbrook. Mother of learning and physicallydisabled young man. Lorralne Fr6w- KIC Dlrectorlmanagement Commlttee Parent representative. Foster mum of 2 young adults with complex needs who benefited from participation in the project for several years. Lorraine brings 8 wealth of experience and knowledge of the community, disability, social care sector to the project. David Bell- KIC TREASURERIManagement Committee Elected BCC Councilor 2014-19: BDC Transformation Committee; BCC Licensing Committee, Lyric Theatre Education Advisory Committee, SA&SG Management Committee, KIC Creative Assistant. Bsc Mechanical & Manufacturing Engineering (Queens) incLuding Math, Further Math, Math and Computing, Production Management, Innovation and Entrepreneurship. PGCE in mathematics with special educational needs and inclusion ICT. Teacher, Head of Year J08nne Atklnson- KIC SECRETARY/M8n8gement Committee Over 24 years, experience in the secretarial field, from typing of documents to diary management, from organising events to attending and taking part in events and the usual general off ice duties, telephone, filing, photocopying, petty cash, working with spreadsheets etc. Qualifications are based around the secretarial field: RSA 1, 2 and 3 in both typing and word processing (some parts with distinction}, RSA11 Business Administration. GCSE English and Geography Grade C, Higher Level Accounts Grade D, also RSA Pitman Shorthand. Joanne has recently completed the following training courses: Person Centered ThinkingTraining, Positive & Productive Meeting Training, Child Protection, Understanding Learning Disability. Autism Awareness. Child Protection, Safe Guarding Children and Vulnerable Adults, Emergency First Aid, Moving & Handling, Being Effective Training. Time Management Training, Lotus Notes Training, ExceL Training, Word Refresher Training, ITrent Workshop- Introduction to the L&D Module, Incident Management Policy Workshop, HeaLth & Safety for Off ic8 Based Staff,
Social Media Training, Infection Control, Top Tips When Using IBM Notes, Word, Excel and Andrew Potter- Management Commlttee Marketing, PR and Fundraising Manager Positive Futures, formerly Senior Marketing Manager BT, and Business Engagement Managerculture Company 2011 - 2014. Andrew brings a wealth of skills and experience in Marketing, PR, Fundraising and business. Stephen Black- M8n8gement Committee Senior Investigation Off icer (SIO) with the Off ice of the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland (OPONI). Employed by OPONI since October 2000 and currently Ombudsman's Senior Report Writer, sitting on its Editorial Board. Priorto that, led a team of investigators dealing with allegations of poLice collusion in Troubles-related murders. ExcelLent leadership skills including decision-making. problem-soLving. communication, analysis, and mediation skills. Also a published author and has launched an editing business. Nicholas Moore- Management Committee Nicholas participated in KIC over many years as a young person. Nicholas is developing as an artistlmusician and his input from personal experience is invaluable. Nicholas works full time in a supported workplace. Rob Will- Management Committee A&BNI Board Bank. Robert was a Business Analyst in the Operate Change Managed Services team at Pwc, analysing client's business data to better understand the problems they face now, to identify ways of addressing these problems and improve into the future. Before joining PWC he completed a PhD in medicine at the University of Cambridge, researching the evolution of bacterial infectious diseases, and has championed widening participation and mental health support in higher education institutions. Nowworkingfor HMRC Expertise: Data Analysis Public Speaking Problem Solving Team Leadership Independent Working Stakeholder Management Data Visualisation Creative Writing. Staff: Company Manger-Grainne Woods Artistic Director- David Calvert Outreach Director- Jade Quin Administration - Amy Frazer Trainee Facilitators- BiLli Mills. Holly Hannaway Welfare Off icer- Linda Laverty, Melissa Seawright Creative Assistant- Nigel Lockhart Volunteers- James Morgan, Joseph FitZP8trick, Hannah Black
INCLUSION: Two KIC Board members have a disability. Two are Carers to adults with disabilities. One office staff member has a disability. One Creative Team members has a dis8bility. 4 FemaLe & 4 Male Board Members and range in ages from 26 to 75 In setting out our objectives and planning our programme of activitles th8 KIC Board/trustees have glven careful consideration to the Charity Commission Ni's guidance of public benefit to ensure that our activities have helped to achieve the charity's purposes and provide a benefit to the beneficiaries. Nicholas Moore Director Lorraine Frew Director PURPOSES & ACTIVITIES The purposes of the charity are: To promote the benefit ot the inhabitants of Northern Ireland without distinction of age, sex, race or political, religious or other opinions by advancing public education particularly but not exclusively by the provision of training in drama and performance skills. HOW WE MEEf PUBLIC BENEFIT The direct benefits which flow from our purpose include: The improved welfare of mar8inalized childreng youth and adults through skills development, developing confidence and self-esteem. social skills, team working,
decision-making skills. empathy. interests and ambition, self-awareness and social networks. The advancement of education through the delivery of programmes which compliment yet are additional to other service providers. Developing an equal society through highlighting the benefits and achievements of participants and developing empathy and understanding for marginalized members of society. Accessing personal development opportunities to marginalized individuals and communities. developing the confidence and skill to join mainstream activities. Reducing isolation of vulnerable members of society through the design of flexible programmes that meet real need and have lasting benefits. Enablingthe personal development of participants to enhance their social skills and employability and developing employment opportunities. Encouraging enjoyment 8nd achievement and supporting participants to maintain or improve their mental health, fitness and well-being. KIC is contributing to the development of social cohesion and a healthy civil society for all. KIC bring new energies into communities, energies that activate individual potential and discoveries in a fun, disciplined, liberated, safe space in which young people can be authentically themselves and communicate this in a celebratory manner. WHO ISTHE BENEFIT FOR KIC'S beneficiaries are: Children, young people, and adults with disabilities. Children and young people from designated areas of deprivation for exampLe from interface areas. isolated andlor marginaLized TSN communities. In order to enhance service provision in our target areas KIC provides training and mentoring to arts facilitators. youth and community workers as well as leadership programmes for olderyouth - deveLoping skills within community settings.
THIS IS EVIDENCED BY: KIC operates a policy of continual monitoring and evaLuation - this is critical in developing our services and ensuring a high social return on investment. The benefits that come from our work are clearly evidenced through feedback from our user groups and external assessors. The benefits are also dispLayed through pubLic performance and feedback is also gathered from our audiences. KIC produces a number of case studies each year. These are developed from 360-degree feedback involving participant. facilitators, guardians, teachers, social workers, and other professionals involved in the care of the individuaL. WHATWE DO: KIC designs and delivers all its services with the following core vaLues: Respect for people of all backgrounds and ability. Integration at the core of programming. Committed to learner led flexible programming. Focused on long-term benefits and impact for individualslcommunities. KIC is availabLe to people who want to use physical theatre to change the community for the better. We provide high quality and high impact creative learning provision in some of Northern Ireland's most isolated and marginalised communities that fall under Ni's policy for Targeting Social Need and young people who are classified under Section 75 of the Nl act. KIC implements creative programs in partnership with a variety of partners including community and voluntary groups. youth groups and schools. Our participants have very diverse needs and require sensitive and high levels of support. therefore, we work closely with their guardians. carers, social workers, parents. foster parents, youth Leaders, support workers and community poLice where needed. ACTIVITIES Artistic Programme - Full year activities report 2023- 2024 REBRAND LAUNCH Ensuring our usergroups feel a part of the process Workshops: 11 Participants: 16 Events: 1 launch event and 1 shortfilm Audience: 1522
COMMUNITYOUTREACH Delivering workshops to TSN/Section75 communities in their home base across Belfast Workshops". 10 Participants: 157 EXTENDED OUTREACH PAR TNERSHIPS Dlvls Youth Project, Frank Gillen Centre, Divis Deprivation Rank- rank 30 out of 890 Workshops: 16 Participants: 30 Events: 1 performance Audience: 878 Sulcid8 Awareness & Support Group- Heads Up Mental Health programme for those at risk. marglnallsed youth of all abllltles fmm across the city Workshops: 28 Participants: 217 Events: 1 Podcast, 1 short film Audience: 4847 Upper Springfield Development Trust Deprlvatlon R8nk- rank 77 out of 890 Workshops: 23 Participants: 37 SCHOOLS INCLUSION PROGRAMME Ashfleld Girls School School based workshops for youth from loyallst communltles, east Belfast Workshops: 2 Participants: 30 DlsablLIty Access Project schools- Glenveagh Hom8 based creative learnlngpmgramme for disabledyouth Workshops; 32 Participants: 55 All Saints ColLege- West Belfast Schools Project Workshop progr8mme tackling social Issues In the local community, students coming from areas of disadvantage and NewArrlv81s (Immigrants & refugees) Workshops: 32 Participants". 59 Events: 3 screening and YouTube/SM + Belfast Live Audience: 2870
IN-HOUSE PROGRAMMES Core Access Programme- Physical Graff iti In-House creatlV8 learning programme for ages 12-18 who have 8dditionaUcomplex support needs. Learning disabilities. physical disabilities. neurodiverse Workshops: 61 Participants: 55 Events: 2 short film and Special presentation workshop Audience: 1215 Core Advanced Programme-Adventures In Human Belng (Urban Specles) In-House crnative learning programme for ages 14-18, mawinalisedyouth connectlng through our communlty outreach and schools. Inclusion programme, Includlng NewArrlvals (Immlgrants & Refugees) Workshops: 15 Participants". 21 All Door8 Open - young adult dlsability In-Hous8 creatlve learnlng pmgramme for ages 18-25, 8 skllls davelopment transltlon progr8mm8 foryoung adult wlth addltlonavcomplex support needs Workshops: 58 Participants: 44 Events: 18hort film- not published- screened for famiLy/friends, 1 display Audience: 14660 SECTORAL DEVELOPMENT. PROFESSIONAL PARTNERSHIPS, COLLABORATIONS KIC Peer L8adershlpniolunteer Tralnlng Developlngyoung leaders Identlfl8d through ourln-house tralnlngprogrammes Workshops: 40 Participants: 10 Br8ln Injury Matters Creatlve programmlng for 8dults wlth catastmphlc braln InJurles- h881th & wellbeing Workshops: 50 Participants: 32 Events: public performance Bounce and Film KIC/Lyrlc Theatre All Ablllty Programme Annual all abllltyprogramme for youth, connectlng those wlth Ilttle to no access to the arts Workshops- 18 Participants- 16
Blue Chevy Masterclasses Filling an identified gap in professional career development opportunities for d/Deaf, disabled and neurodiverse adults who want to develop pmfessionally. Workshops: 7 Prep Participants: 10 Audience". 2400 Collaboration with the Lyric Theatre Creative Learning Department Upskilling the sector Blackout- Lyric Theatre Creative Learning Department- cancelled by Lyric Theatre School- Lyric Theatre Creative Learning Department 'Lyric Drama Studio- Lyric Theatre Creative Learning Department Workshops: 6 Participants: 28 Incluslve Theatre Practlce Trainlngfor emergingfacllltators Providingprofessional development opportunities in inclusive practice. Upskllling the s8Ctor & p8rt of our succession plannlng to ensure core values are embedded In newleaders Applications- 27 Workshops- 20 Participants- 5 TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT KIC has been goingthrough a Rebranding process. Funded by Arts & Business through the Blueprint programme. All Board memberslstaff were involved in the workshops and development process. .4 members of staff have received SafeTalk training with certificate .3 members of staff have received Disability Awareness Training 'KIC has deLivered intensive Inclusive Facilitator Training to 4 emerging facilitators 4 KIC trainee facilitators have received Disability Awareness Training 'Company Manager attended Outcomes training with Thrive hosted by Arts&Business Company Manager has had 6 sessions with A&B Blueprint Mentor Mark Robinson. This mentoring is ongoing. 2 KIC staff have received training in Cyber security and KIC has received certificates for Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials PLUS KIC Company Manager received Carbon Literacy Training and received certificate. KIC Board completed Governance Training via Volunteer Now on 23110123 Company Manager and Board member attended A&BNI Cultural Governance Conference. 'KIC Staff and 1 Board member received LGBTQ+ training Company Manager sat on the judging panel for the A&BNI Arts and Business Awards. 'Manager received Digital Marketing Training Mana8er received Succession Planning Trainin8 *Company Manger completed BSL introductory course 10
KIC has secured two new emerging faciLitators through its Inclusive Training Practice. They continue to be mentored in delivering high quality profoundly inclusive programmes. TOTALS Workshops: 416 Participants: 821 Events: 32 Audience: 23,619 Feedback from INCLUSIVE THEATRE PRACTICE: Upskilling the sector in profoundly inclusive practice- 8 professional development programme I was absolutely delighted to be chosen for this unique opportunity to train with Kids in Control on their Inclusive Theatre Practice intensive course. I was drawn to the training as KIC are Leaders in terms of theirwork with Disabled and Neurodivergent artists and represent best practice in terms of their faciLitation work with all ages. As an experienced facilitator it can be difficultto find training of this calibre to stretch and enhance skills. The five days working with David were invaluable to me as a practicing artist and facilitator. David has unparalleled experience in facilitation, theatre making and working with a range of abilities. He generously shared his wealth of knowLedge. skills and advice with us. The training has inspired me and renewed goals for my own creative practice. More training like this would not only improve the quality of theatre training here in Nl but it would also have a wonderful impact on the Lives of the participants of aLI ages and abilities who engage in KIC programmes and beyond! As a freelance facilitator I WILI be infusing my practice with all I have Learned, and this training WILI have a wider reach than can be measured. Kathy It was an honour havingthe opportunityto soak in the creative techniques that Kids in Control provided. The Five days flew by so quick; each day was jam packed with activities, that l as a drama facilitator could then apply and mould to sessions with other young people. The structure was concise, filled with multiple layers that had their own individual effectiveness. Itwas an innovative approach to creation, the brain had to take a seat for the gut to lead. I had learnt a lot in a short space of time, I feel more confident and capable to deliver workshops in this layout thanks to the genius duo Dave and Jade. BilLie The inclusive facilitation training from Kids in Control was a fantastic experience. Not only did we have the chance to Learn a variety of new techniques that could be used with participants of aLI-ages and abilities, but we were given the space to explore our own creative work as theatre-makers. ALI in all, it was a brilliant experience as a creative facilitator. Andrew The KIC inGlu3ivc trainingyiaa an inGrodiblo experionGe. David and Jade were incredibly attentive and deliberate with their teachings and made sure that we fully understood the 11
work before continuing. The group work was well balanced with individual focus and the chance to showcase what we'd learnt at the end of the 5 days was invaluable. I will continue to use the tools taught by David and Jade in my work going forward. Holly FULL EVALUATION DOCUMENTATTACHED BELOW Monitoring of IMPACT KIC used a variety of methods to measure and collect evidence: Photographic and film evidence to create a visual record of sessions and activities, including interviews with staff. participants. and parents of participants. The interviews accurateLy capture comments on the programme which we use for quotes and feedback for reporting. These records are also used for archive purposes. Workshop report forms are completed every session by the Welfare Off icer noting staff observations of changes in the young people week-to-week. This incLudes how well participants interact with their peers and other staff, how they engage in workshops and participants, body language when they enter and Leave the workshop sessions, At the end of the year, these reports give us a fuller insight into the journey participants have taken - where they may have struggled in the beginning and where they are flourishing now. Self-reported questionnaires are completed at key points throughout the year to gather evidenc8 on how the young people feel in the moment. The questionnaires contain emojis to engage participants and help them describe how they feel. KIC uses 360-degree feedback from parents, guardians, teachers, and key social workers for a fuller understanding of the difference made in young people's lives. Thes8 conversations and quotes from other adults, participants see regularly, informs us of the changes outside the workshop and how the work we do at KIC trickles into their school and home lives. The Artistic Director and Welfare Officer monitor the progress of participants in each workshop session and, during weekly team meetings will ensure that we keep track of individuals, progress. Records of attendance are normally used as quantitative data for evidence of the consistency and enthusiasm that young people are showing for workshop sessions. However. from the frequent changes in Covid circumstances and the fear of sickness in our more vulnerable participants. regular attendance has been down in the past year. 12
RESERVES POLICY adopted 2411122 The Kids in Control Board of Directors have resolved to establish reserves for future needs. Kids in Control company is limited byguarantee. and it has no share capital. As a charitable organisation as well as a limited company Kids in Control must meet the requirements of expending funds in line with charitable objectives, as well as maintaining a solvent companythat can meet unforeseen circumstances. To this end and as part of the planned strategic development planning, Kids in Control has a reserves policy that outlines the rationale for holding reserve8. Kids in Controlwill aim to accrue and maintain at least 3 months of operational overheads and programming costs to allow it to deal with a gap in funding, loss of funding or other major shocks. ALthough Kids in Control may not be in a position to maintain this level of free reserves at a particular point in time, it should strive to achieve a reserve that equates to this level. At the time of adopting this policy Kids in Control does not have the level of unrestricted r8S8rv8s identified as required and is planning to implement the reserves policy throughout the 2023 - 2024 financial year to actively address this situation. Copy on request 13
KIDS IN CONTROI PROJECT REPORT The Talent Fund- HughBonGo Fund ARTISABOUTEVERYTHINGAND FOR EVERYONE Image: Participants in AIL Doors Open. backstage. Lyric theatre, Belfast 14
KIC received generous support from The Talent Fund- HughBonGo Fund in DEC 2022 towards two strands of our work: 1) All Doors Open- a new creative learning programme for young adults with physical and learning disabilities andlor neurodiverse. This programme was designed in response to need and demand and to fill a gap in provision for youth reaching aduLthood without access to creative activities that support this critical transition period for disadvantaged youth. 2) Community Outreach programme- reaching into the heart of communities to bring new energies and provide access to new creative Learning opportunities for marginalised youth from areas of need and disadvantage. The support that KIC received had 8 big impact on the scale, scope and reach of programmes that KIC was able to deliver in 2023. The support helped KIC to meet the ongoing chalLenges of the post pandemic environment that had a severe impact on KIC user groups. In particular the grant supported KIC to navigate the difficulties in engaging hard to reach young people from marginalised communities through its Outreach Programme. The grant allowed KIC to provide high quality creative experiences and build momentum with groups, so they felt achievement and became secure, with many continuing to participate in KIC projects. The support was criticaL in developing performance work with groups, allowing us to deliver our annual Spring Showcase in March 2023 at the Lyric Theatre, BeLfast, with strong groups performing to two full houses of new audiences that reflected our target groups- those with little to no access to the arts, with the majority having never been to a theatre before. These showcase performance pLatforms are vital in highLighting and celebrating achievement while also promoting high quality inclusive creative programming- and KIC'S vision thatArtis about everythingand for everyone. Work8hop Numbers: 71 Participant Numbers: 115 Events; All Doors Open- St Patricks Day Parade, Belfast All Doors Open - Lyric Theatre, BeLfast- Performance All Doors Open -AGM, Redeemer Central, Belfast - Display & Film Divis Divas Lyric Theatre, Belfast- Performance Divis Divas Frank Gillen Centre, BeLfast- Performance ALI Saints Film (Social Media, YouTube> ALI Saints BeLfast Live Article Audience Numbers across all project events: across all project events: • Known: 2784 Estimated: 40,000 Belfast St Patricks Day Carnival Unknown Belfast Live- locaL news online channel, estimate 2000 15
KIC- All Doors Open Disability rates in Northern IreLand (Nl} are much higherthan in other areas within the UK. The The Department for Communities Nl states that 1 in 5 people in Nl have a disability. 2021 Census found that 24¥0 of the Nl population report being limited in their day-to-day activities either a Little or a lot. This compares to 17% and 22 % respectively in England and Wales. The pandemic and cost of living crisis has disproportionately impact those with disabiLities. Nl already had some of the worst outcomes for people with disabilities compared with other areas of the UK and this has only increased. Through dellvering hlgh qualltywork wlth all abllltles KIC public presentatlons reflect the diverslty of society and celebrate difference, developing ompathy and understanding through theatre which highlights the ability of 'disabL6d' youth and challenges preconceived Ideas of passive participation and low expectations of marginalised youth Images: All Doors Open, on-stage and backstage, Lyric Theatre, Belfast Project Descrlptlon: All Doors Open - 8 new creative learning programme was estabLished for youth with learninglphysical disabilitieslneurodiverse disproportionately impacted by pandemic conditions. For participants reaching young adulthood without access to activities supporting the critical transition period from school to independence. The project was designed in response to nee(J an(J (Jemand and establlshed to fill a gap in sep4iGes for youth with complex disabilities. KeyAlms: l) Reduce Social Isolation & Increased happiness Supportinglencouraging social engagement with peers increasing emotional well-being and reducing isolation through feeling part of a team and developing sociaL neOrkS. 16
2) Greater Self-efficacy and skills development Encouraging enjoyment, motivation and confirming achievement enabling participants to achieve personal best. raise their expectations and those others may have of them through public performance. 3) Increased Happiness Many entering KIC arrive unhappy, anxious, lonely with low self-esteem. Many have had poor experiences of joining groups. Learning new skills recognized in performance, ensures confidence. feelings of self-worth and social skills are acquired. Achievements: This programme has been very successful in its aims with feedback questionnaires confirmingthat: all partlclpants have experlencad reduce isolatlon and all enjoy new frlendships and being part of their own group with a'supportive and friendly, KIC team. everyone found the programme to be fun and social. and lookforward to workshops as a highlight of their week. They all enjoyed feeling part of a team. All reported having developed skills, confidence, greater self-esteem and increased feeling of independence. Stress and anxiety levels have been reduced and everyone feels supported and part of the group duringworkshops. All partlclpants wanted to continue with the programme. Through a weekly workshop programme based in Redeemer Central, Belfast, the group worked togetherto develop skills in teamwork. improvisation, storyteLling and image making. Together they devised and produced their own performance work for three public events. The group trained in carnival skills and led the St Patrick's Day Carnival Parade through Belfast City Centre co-ordinated by Beat CarnivaL. The theme was #voicesofbelfast. They deveLoped new work for 2 public performances on the Lyric Theatre stage for the KIC Spring Showcase event. Both these events brought a lot of joy to participants and their families and friends, while increasing participants confidence and confirming their achievements. Participants achievements were celebrated by diverse audiences and the group had standing ovations for their Lyric Theatre performances. An added benefit was that parents/guardians were gratefuL for a programme that gave their young people a sense of belonging and a platform to have their voices heard, they also appreciated free time on a weekLy basis for themseLves andlor other siblings, 17
knowing that their young person was in a happy, positive and safe environment where they were valued, respected and felt happy. The parents/guardians were aLso keen to get involved backstage for the Lyric performances and really enjoyed the excitement and comradery, and getting to connect with other guardians facing simiLar challenges. This cemented KIC'S relationships with guardians and developed volunteers to support our work going forward. ALI guardians came to KIC'S AGM and have signed up as members. Ima1••: All Doorn Open- Lo4dSng St PAtrlck'• Day P8r8d•. B•lfA•i. Overall, this was a fantastic project, the only challenge was a period of sickness which impacted attendance for severaL weeks. All participantslfamilies involved have some health concerns. so we were very attentive to reducing the spread of any viral infections which meant we did have several postponed workshops - but the group managed to make up ground to prepare for the Lyric performances. Imagos.. All Doors Op•n. Lyric Theatre. Bèlf8st 18
Feedback: AIL participants have stated that they have developed confidence. skills. friendships, independence, creativity. enjoy KIC workshops, and that they feel good after a workshop. All participants stated that KIC is important to them. and they want to continue. '1 think it is a critical service. As a parent. I was astounded by the commitment of the staff, so patient, so friendly and so diligent: 'Mytsvorite thingabout KIC is being with the squad,. 'Sh8 is much more independentandis able to plan and carry outsimple tasks independentlynow After workshops I feel more confident: 'Her communication skills are well developed now. She is happy to interact with peers and staff and share her ideas 'Myfavorite thing8bout KIC 8re the games and performances we do.. '18m 81ways impressed of the w8yIt is so inclusive and everyone* contribution is vgluad, praised. and appreci8ted: 'KIC is fun, I love the people and I love to perform.. 'The KIC program is helping to develop her control over herphysical body and express herselfthrough movement: 'Has developedgreat8rself-worth and independenc8, confidence levels growing: 'People helped me, and I had fun. I would like to play a bigger role" 'Thls Is p8rt of her Ilfe now, she cannot Ilve wlthout It, KIC could not have secured and maintained the All Doors Open Project without the support of The Talent Fund. It has allowed us to establish it as an on-going programme to meet need and demand for creative services for youth with compLex disabilities. Being able to deliver public performances has raised the profile of the group and attracted other funding. we now have good evaluation material. images. and a group profile making the programme more sustainable going forward. This programme has been very beneficial to the participants and thelr famllles, creating new possibilities, new friendship groups, confldence, happiness 8nd hop8 for better futures and a more inclusive society. Due to the success of this project All Doors Open has now secured a project grant and is secure until Novomber 2024- a fanta$ti¢ outcome! 19
All Doors Open- short film- Black Panther h)ps://www.facebook.com/kicprojecUposts1919664882939965 DIVIS DIVAS A KIC Outreach Project 71L Image: Dlvl8 Dlvas- backstag• Lyrlc Theatre, Belfast Dlvls Dlvag- Project report Dlvls Youth Project is located in Frank Gillen Centre in Ardoyne, Belfast. and is ranked 301890 on the Multiple Deprivation Measure and therefore one of the most deprived SOA'S (Super Output Areas) in Nl (1 being the most deprived). 71890 for Health and Disability, 91890 for Education and skills development. and 21890 for Crime and Disorder. 20
Participants The group was made up of 8 girls, aged between 9 and 11 years old who had never performed in a theatre before, and the majority had never been to a theatre to watch a performance. They were all residents of the Divis area, which is a marginalised TSN community in Belfast experiencing high levels of disadvantage and deprivation including anti-sociaL behaviour, death driving, drug misuse and low expectations of youth. Most do not have positive role modet. Project Kids I n Control facilitated a 14-week dance programme for members of Divis Youth Project, which ran from Januaryto March 2023 and cumulated with 2 performances in the Lyric Theatre, Belfast and a further performance in their own community centre. Through a bespoke, incremental workshop programme. the p8rticipants developed dance skills and the confidence to devise their own dance piece for performance. The project gave a plattorm to young people living in one of Nl's communities of multiple deprivation. It provided them wlth an opportunlty to work with professlonal artlsts to produce creatlve outcomes over whlch they felt owner8hlp and prlde, and that developed thelr confldenc8 and ability to connect wlth and particlpate In further arts actlvltl8s. It W8S 8 very successful proJ8Ct wlth a number of posltlve outcomes. Achlevements: Participatory engagement was extremely high for the project. The attendance every week was exceptional and their enthusiasm in the project was shown through their involvement in devising their dance performance, coming up with their own ideas for a theme and then choosing the music. The participants were given the skills, guidance and space to communlcate thelr Ideas for the dance piece. They took part in team building and trust exercises and developed creative physical theatre skills which encouraged self-expression, self-esteem. and the confidence that comes with being part of an ensemble. This enabled them to choreograph their own solo dances within the performance, which in turn gave them a great sense of ownership and pride over their work. The development of an articulate voice provided the opportunity for the group to communicate honest and powerful messages to their peers in dance format. The group choose the music fortheir dance. which was a powerful song about being enough just as you are. Through dance they expressed/shared with their peers positive messages about being body confident and being happy in who you are. The group was challenged in a creative and exciting way. being supported through skills development to devise and choreograph their own work and put their own stamp onto their work guided by a professional artist. This project deveLoped new audiences from the Divis community and surrounding area8. Families and friends of participants attended the Lyric Theatre to watch the performance, some coming twice as they enjoyed it so much. Many of this audience 21
had never been to the theatre before or interacted with an Arts project. The engagement of new peer audiences also created an awareness of Arts projects within Divis Youth Project and an eagerness to get involved in future programmes. The community was so proud and excited that they were able to perform on the Lyric stage aLongside other diverse groups that they put on a coach to bring a Divis audience. At the Lyric Theatre, the group were performing alongside other groups that Kids in Control had been working with. including an all-abiLity group made up of young people with both physical and learning disabilities. The interaction and sharing of the stage with these young people was a positive experience which brought out lovely qualities in the girls, increasingtheir personal development and highlighting inclusivity in the Arts. They all enjoyed the social interactions and excitementthat comes from technical rehearsals and sharing dressing rooms behind the stage. This experience was very new, exciting and connected all involved to the theatre and creative projects. KIDS IN CONTROL Image: Divi8 Div88- performing Lyric The8tro, B¢lfast Imag8: Divis Divas-workshop and touring Lyric Theatre. Belfast 22
Feedback. Feedback highlighted that they all enjoyed the Lyric Showcase, would all like to participate in another KIC project. that the majority had never been to 8 theatre before, and had never seen disabiLity performance work before. The words most highlighted in the questiorinaires the group completed after the project were: exciting. fun, interesting. The group enjoyed performing at the Lyric so much that they performed their dance piece again the following week at the Frank Gillen Centre's Celebration Day event to another packed audience made up of residents from the Divis community. '1 loved it- I'd do it agaln" "Amazing actors, amazing show, absolutely fantastic, loved every bit of it, next one soon please '1 love this, all look so happy doing what they lov8" 'My favourite thing was atl of it because they all worked together" 'My favourite blt was all of it" Image: Divis Divas- performing Lyric Theatre, Belfast 23
ALL SAINTS College- West Belfast ALI Saints College is a school based on Glen Road. West Belfast. Serving Students from surrounding nationalist communities, many of which fall within the top 100 areas (out of 890 areas) of deprivation in Nl. Each year KIC works with Year 8&9 students to develop their confidence. skilLs. focus and find creative ways to tackling social issues experienced in the area. The young people chose the topic and through creative workshops they explore and discuss the impact on their community and seek to use positive peer influence to create change. Together they develop and devise a storyline to influence change. They then script, storyboard, perform and shoot a short film to be shared on social media. Pr8VIOUS issues tackled have included bullying, drug misuse, mental health (highest rate of suicide in th8 UK) and vandalism. Thanks to this grant Yr. 819 students were able to produce a short film with KIC to raise awareness of the dangers of vaplng. A growing and urgent issues in their communities, impacting on them and their peers, particularly the recent issue of'spice. being used in Vapes byyouth. Be Smart, Don't Start A short fllm to ralso awar•noss. slgnpost support. and promote good health and wellbeing 'Be Sm8rt, Don't St8rt' focuses on the issue of v8ping and how the drug Spice is being reportedly used. Participants developed their skills and confidence over an incremental learning progr8mme. They devised the content themselves and made creative decisions 8bout the film. ALI S8ints College: FILM Shoot Be Smart, Don'tStart-YouTubo: https:Ilyoutu.be/zFYedZmaGss?si=b6bgJJDwkW68DGnH Kids in Control 24
'Our YR9 pupils created this short film with KIC about the dangers of vaping, currently a major concern for our pupils, parents and communities. Thank you as always to Jade Quinn for the work she continues to do with our pupils. We are extremely proud of each and every single one of our pupils who have been a part of this film. They worked tirelessly over several months to script, record and film. Please watch & share widely" David Bell. Head of Year, All Salnts College Jade Qulnn, KIC Artlstlc Dlrectortold Belfast Live: "It was a pleasure working with the pupils and I'm very proud of them for raising awareness on such an important issue. It's scary how accessible and highly addictive vaping is, and we hope that young people will listen to the message about not starting." Ba Smart, Don't Start - Balfast Llv8 On-Llna Artlclè: https:/lwww.belfastlive.co.uklnewslbelfast-newslbelfast-kids-invovled-awareness- campaign- 27893096?utm_source=linkCopy&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=sharebar "Well dona kld8, hopefully It make8 more young p8ople stop and thlnk before they start• you are all amazlng" "Very good and extremely Informatlve....well done to all" "Well done everyone, hope It helps to get the message across" 1.1 Image8: All Saints Coiioge- Workshopg Addltlonal Outreach Workshops engaglng and recrultlng naw young paopla from marglnallzed areas to KIC in-house projects: John Paul 11 Youth Centie, Ardoyne. North Belfast- rank 91890 area of multipl8 deprivation. 1 being most deprived. Ashfield Girls School, East Belfast- serving marginalized communltles In loyal18t area8. After school drama project 25
3 participants from Ashfield became peervolunteers on KIC all ability projects supporting their disabled peers in workshops and in performance. Images: Ashfleld Glrls School- wofkshops What'8 happenlng next! All Doors Open has received new funding due the success of this programme, and is now secure until November 2024 Divis Youth Project: 3 Divis participants are now developing as peer leaders for a next generation of Divis Divas who 8re on target to Perform in the Lyric Spring Showcase Apri124 Ashfield Girls School: 2 participants continue to volunteer on KIC disability projects A new group of Year 8 All Saints students have commenced a next creative programme focused on a social issue of concern and will shoot a short film in the run up to Easter 2024 Urban Species- a brand new KIC Core programme has formed due to the interest and enthusiasm of young people engaged across the range of outreach programmes delivered due to HughBonGo support. A diverse group of margin8Lized youth from loyalist and nationalist communities, and of all abiLities. This is an exciting deveLopment. KIC feels we are very close to getting back the pre-pandemic rhythm as welL as having expanded our community connections. KIC now has a youth Disability Ambassador from our All Doors Open project and this will have a very positive impact on KIC activities and profile going forward. 26