Heart n Soul does the Big Half
Organised by Heart n SoulHelp Heart n Soul secure the future of Allsorts - and ensure learning disabled and autistic people continue to have access to creative opportunities and a space where they belong.
Story
“If there was no Heart n Soul it would be boring - I would not have other places to go... and it would not be good. A lot of people can’t work and they try to push you into day centres… Here it’s not like a day centre. You get to learn things, and it’s for people with all kinds of different needs. It’s being together as one with everyone.” - Ella, Allsorts participant
Turning 26 can be difficult for young learning disabled and autistic people. It’s the year that this group lose access to programmes for young people and for many, it’s also the end of their journey with formal education. With this comes a loss of social spaces, creative opportunities and communities many have been part of since childhood – leading to social isolation, loneliness, and fewer opportunities for development and growth. For learning disabled and autistic people, turning 26 can be a cliff edge.
For young people aged between 10-25, Do Your Own Thing is a space for creativity, friendships and a place to be themselves. Run by Heart n Soul since 2014, the free club has offered young artists a wealth of opportunities, including taking over institutions like the National Gallery and collaborating with the London Symphony Orchestra. However, at age 26 young people are no longer eligible to attend Do Your Own Thing - along with many other opportunities only open to those under the age of 25.
This is where Allsorts, Heart n Soul’s creative programme for adults, steps in. Shaped by a group of learning disabled co-producers, Allsorts offers not only creative development opportunities for Do Your Own Thing participants aged 18+, but also a supportive community and the chance to develop new skills. Without Allsorts, many promising young learning disabled and autistic artists would turn 26 and have nowhere to nurture their talents. For many people who attend Do Your Own Thing, Allsorts is a unique bridge that helps them transition from young people’s programmes to independence.
This year, our fundraisers are running the Big Half to raise money to ensure the future of Allsorts and help Heart n Soul can preserve this vitally important creative community – for the young people just starting to attend and for those for whom it’s already a fixture. Your help will mean participants like Ella continue to have a space where they feel like they belong.
Whether you can give a little or a lot, your support will make a big difference.