Chippy Theatre, as we are known to many, is a registered charity and has been a home for arts and creativity in Chipping Norton for over 50 years.

In our rural community there are areas of real disadvantage, often hidden from view. A recent WODC Youth Needs Assessment found 42% of young people reported poor mental health last year, 1 in 5 children in Oxfordshire have SEN, well above the national average (OCC) & 20% of children in West Oxfordshire live in poverty (WODC).

The Theatre's community programme uses the arts to support, help and inspire those who are marginalised or disadvantaged in our local rural area. We go into schools, care-homes, even playgrounds to build long term relationships with young people and their families and help them address the challenges they face. Our current activities include;

- Free school holiday lunches and arts activities every school holiday for 170 children from families on low incomes,

- Community tickets to for local families, displaced or those facing loneliness to experience theatre for the first time.

- Mental health drama based courses in secondary schools for the most vulnerable young people on the CAMS waiting list or school refusers.

- Mental health and well being packs for secondary school pupils.

- Reminiscence sessions in local care homes

- Creative arts based support groups for parents of children with low mental health or SEN.

- Bursaries for our youth theatre and youth musical theatre; and

- The addition of specialist youth theatre groups for young people with additional needs and SEN which are free to the participant.

The families who take part in this programme are at the heart of our theatre – and through this their children have fostered confidence, self-worth, resilience, and adaptability; vital skills for young people now, and for the future, allowing them to participate in other projects, move onto our free youth theatre places and feel welcome, involved and engaged with their local community.

We can only do this with your generous support. Every donation to our community programme makes a real impact on the lives and wellbeing of local families in our community.

Can we Count You In?

Thank you.

To find out more visit https://www.chippingnortontheatre.com/takepart