Based in Hull, Local Works is a community social enterprise that specialises in delivering projects for young people who have difficulty engaging with the formal school system. 

The children and teenagers they work with are often vulnerable, isolated, lonely, and from deprived backgrounds.

Having successfully applied for Know Your Neighbourhood funding, distributed by Creative Lives, Local Works was awarded £8,370 to deliver dance workshops at Endyke Community Centre in north Hull, an area tackling problems such as petty crime, drug misuse and gang culture.

Background to the project

“In delivering our other projects, we have found that isolation and loneliness are a significant problem amongst young people," explains Local Works' general manager, Wayne Anderson. "This is particularly the case in areas of high deprivation, which is where we normally work. In those areas, social relationships are often broken, young people are brought up in families where whole family activities are rare, and the young people tend to lead an isolated existence, often focussing on computer games where there are no relationships with other people.

"They have no role model to relate to and often retreat into themselves. The only time they relate to others is through school, but the youngsters we deal with rarely attend school which only increases their isolation.”

What took place

Local Works delivered 48 dance sessions for children and young people, which proved transformative for many of the participants.

“Throughout this initiative, we have observed a remarkable transformation in young individuals as they gained confidence and utilised their creativity to convey their emotions through dance," says Wayne. "It has been inspiring to witness their evolution from being shy and apprehensive, to becoming vibrant and expressive once they enter the dance studio, momentarily setting aside any of their issues or concerns. Dance provides them with a platform to authentically express themselves without fear of judgment.”

Fostering family and community cohesion

"The project gathered significant interest," says Wayne, "notably with the active participation of the local police team, who attended multiple sessions. Their involvement was instrumental in fostering stronger relationships between various young individuals and families within our community and the police.

“It was also particularly striking to note that the benefits extended beyond the young individuals involved; their family members also experienced positive outcomes. In addition to witnessing their child's growth, families expressed a heightened sense of community fostered by our dance sessions.”

The power of volunteering

Local Works recruited local people to help volunteer at the classes, proving beneficial not just for those taking part, but for the volunteers themselves.

"We have successfully completed various dance projects in the past; however, this particular project stood out due to the incorporation of volunteers, which proved to be highly beneficial. The volunteers not only provided significant support to the group but also enhanced their own skill sets and self-assurance."

Changing lives - one step at a time

Wayne shares some of the success stories from the dance project, of young people whose lives have been changed by both participating in dance, and volunteering at the sessions.

Jay, 17

"Jay has been a regular participant in our dance sessions since they began, despite facing many challenges including social difficulties and emotional and mental health struggles. At school, he often found himself in trouble due to disruptive or aggressive behaviour. Outside of school, Jay’s life was unsettled, involving poor social choices and even brushes with the law. He frequently felt socially confused, which sometimes led to anger or defensiveness.

Joining our dance sessions has given Jay a positive outlet, and a safe space where he can explore and express himself freely. Over time, dance has helped him grow into his own skin. The change in Jay has been remarkable: he is now happier, less angry, and more confident. He shows commitment by attending every session and has even started volunteering to support younger dancers. Jay is a talented dancer whose confidence shines during performances. He is currently studying law and performing arts at college and looks forward to a positive future with clear goals. Dance has truly become his escape and inspiration."

Macy, 16

"Macy has been attending our dance sessions intermittently since the project began. Last year, she faced a major life challenge after discovering she was six months pregnant and giving birth prematurely. Being so young, Macy struggled with post-natal depression and other mental health issues. Our dance sessions provide her with a valuable outlet, and a safe and supportive space where she can escape her worries and express herself through movement. Recently, Macy even brought her baby to a session when she had no other option, and we happily adapted to support her needs.

"Dance is clearly a passion for Macy; she often says the sessions are too short because she loves them so much. Beyond dancing, she values connecting with our session leader, who understands her situation as a former teenage parent. This relationship offers Macy important guidance as she faces ongoing challenges. Although Macy recently shared that her baby is currently in temporary foster care - a deeply upsetting experience for her - our sessions remain a crucial source of comfort and stability. We are committed to continuing our support for Macy through this difficult time."

Ada, 13

"Despite her quiet and reserved demeanour, Ada possesses a profound passion for dance, which serves as a vital outlet for her self-expression. Her shyness often manifests in social situations, where she experiences anxiety and a notable lack of confidence, making interactions challenging for her. 

Observing Ada's interactions, particularly her willingness to assist younger children, we recognised a potential for growth in her confidence. This realisation prompted us to extend an invitation for her to join our team as a volunteer for the current year. Although she grapples with self-assurance, Ada finds joy in supporting others, and we believed that volunteering with our group would not only allow her to contribute positively but also facilitate her personal development. 

A year has passed since Ada took on her volunteer role, and we are thrilled to report significant progress in her journey. She has blossomed into a more confident individual and has become an integral part of our team. The younger participants have developed a fondness for working with her, and her contributions have enriched the group dynamic. Reflecting on our decision to offer her this opportunity, we are immensely pleased with the positive impact it has had on both Ada and the community we serve."

For more infomation about Local Works, their projects and impact, visit www.localworks.info