Young People supported by Tackling Inequalities funding to get dancing through lockdown

How did the Tackling Inequalities Funding (TIF) help?

Prior to lockdown, Street Beat were supported through some localised funding to deliver street dance sessions in communities across North Lincolnshire where young people struggled to access private dance schools. When lockdown hit, these sessions couldn’t continue and as restrictions eased after the first lockdown Street Beat needed to find alternative support to continue the sessions.

The TIF funding enabled Street Beat to restart delivery of sessions to vulnerable children in areas of deprivation at a time of serve isolation and inactivity. Initially sessions were run face to face however, these then moved online as other lockdowns followed. Not only were these sessions vital to enable young people to stay active during these times, the funding was crucial for Street Beat, enabling them to retain an income for the organisation and thus ensuring their survival.

How did the sessions help the young people?

Throughout the pandemic many children struggled with their mental health and also became very inactive. Through the sessions, Street Beat provided a fun way to get fit, release those endorphins and get out of the house at a critical time. When the sessions moved online it allowed young people to stay connected with friends and staff, providing them with an outlet. It helped them to stay fit and healthy in addition to socialising and making new friends.