Hackney Shed is an inclusive theatre group in Hackney for young people under 26. We have 4 different groups and run regular outreach and partnership workshops and masterclasses. Our groups are open to everyone, but we have a strong focus on welcoming Disabled and Neurodivergent young people as well as those with other access needs. All our projects are “donate what you can” so that we are financially accessible to everyone. During the course of a year Hackney Shed works with over 400 children, young people and volunteers as part of our activities.

Our approach breaks down misunderstanding and develops strong bonds between young people with vastly mixed abilities. We teach our members to explore their imagination, characterisation and creative use of language, as well as fostering speaking and listening skills, which will support them in everyday life.

Many of our participants do not have the opportunity to access this kind of creative theatre work any other way, either because their physical or learning needs would not be accommodated, or because of financial barriers.

There are real costs to making sessions accessible and inclusive! Your donations can really make a difference!

Here are some examples of what your donation could cover:

Small gifts (everyday essentials)

£10 – One volunteer DBS check (safeguarding)

£30 – Print scripts + visual scripts for one cast (30 young people)

£49.50 – One staff DBS check (safeguarding)

£96.20 – Two assistant facilitators for one evening session (London Living Wage)

£145 – Venue hire for one evening session

Medium gifts (session + inclusion support)

£300 – Plan + deliver one staff training session (safeguarding + inclusive practice)

£350 – Venue hire for one full-day session

£577.20 – One assistant facilitator providing access support across a 12-week term

£687 – Fund one weekly evening Children’s/Youth Theatre session (staffing, venue, safeguarding, volunteer travel, access)

£820 – Insurance for one year (Legal requirement)

Large gifts (big building blocks)

£1,500 – Set/costume designer for a cast of 30–40 young people

£3,000 – Accounts + independent examination for one year (Charity Commission requirement)

£5,000 – Office + storage space for one year