Lakes Clubs funding puts a spring in the step of local pupils

Milton Keynes City Council is funding a new club in the Lakes Estate to connect young people at Sir Herbert Leon Academy with dance and theatre professionals.

Run by MK Theatre, the weekly after-school dance club is open to young people between the ages of 11 to 16 who attend the school. They will also have access to further opportunities with the theatre such as backstage tours, industry career talks, chances to perform in community events and further workshops from visiting companies.

The funding for the initiative comes from the City Council’s Lakes Clubs, which enables residents, community groups and organisations such as schools to run social activities and clubs that benefit the community.

The City Council has set aside more than £150,000 to extend the popular programme, and to fund a new Fullers Clubs scheme in Fullers Slade. Both estates have been allocated a maximum of £85,000 each to fund activities throughout the year, which could range from entertainment or skills classes to sports and physical activities.

This is a great example of how our funding can help to bring new opportunities into these communities. Pupils at Sir Herbert Leon will be able to learn from industry experts whilst having a great time practicing new skills. I’m pleased that by introducing Fullers Clubs and extending the Lakes Clubs, we can support hundreds more people this year. - Cllr Emily Darlington, Cabinet Member for Adults, Housing and Healthy Communities

We are delighted to be running this project with Sir Herbert Leon, thanks to the Lakes Clubs funding. It is so important for us to inspire the next generation of live entertainment audiences and workforce and we believe the young people will get huge amounts from this initiative. - Alexandra Snell, Senior Creative Learning Manager at MK Theatre

Our students loved the experience and the opportunity to be involved in something so creative. Staff enjoyed watching the young people throwing themselves into something outside their comfort zones and learning you can be good at things you never even knew! - Emma Orr, Principal - Sir Herbert Leon Academy

Milton Keynes City Council is encouraging local people to come forward with suggestions for potential clubs, so they can help shape the programme. Residents, organisations, and businesses will then receive funding to deliver the clubs throughout the year.

You can learn more about the clubs via the links below. www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/fullers-clubs www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/health-and-wellbeing-hub/lakes-clubs