Help children to create and imagine in Barton Hill, Bristol
Between March - September 2026, we are raising £30,000 to keep our Youth Theatre running with free and subsidised places, so we never have to say no to a young person who wants to join.
Big Give’s Arts for Impact - double your donation
We are launching this wider fundraising appeal by taking part in the Big Give’s Arts for Impact campaign from Tuesday 17 - Tuesday 24 March.
During this week we aim to raise £3,000 towards the running costs of Louder Than Words – our unique drama group for D/Deaf and Disabled young people and those with additional needs.
During this campaign week, donations up to the first £1,500 will be doubled at no extra cost to you.
Funds raised will support the free, weekly drama group, which provides a safe space for children (aged 7-15) to develop their creativity, confidence, group work and wellbeing.
From Tuesday 17 March, 12pm, you can donate on the Big Give website via the link below:
Why we are raising funds for our Youth Theatre
Each week after school, 60 children aged 6 - 16 come to Travelling Light’s Youth Theatre in our studio in Barton Hill, Bristol.
They play games, create characters and use their imaginations to create stories to share with friends and family.
Youth Theatre members have lots of fun - but it’s so much more than this.
Children tell us they feel more confident. They speak up more. They feel happier and more relaxed. They make new friends. They feel that they belong.
At a time when many children struggle with low self-esteem, isolation and challenges with their mental wellbeing - particularly young D/Deaf and Disabled people who can face additional barriers - having a safe, creative space to be themselves can make a real difference.
““This is the only drama group where I felt like I fitted in.””
““When I started here, I was nervous but now I feel happy.””
““Travelling Light boosts my confidence. I have a lot of fun with my friends.””
Yet not every child can take part in drama groups, often because they simply can’t afford it.
In Travelling Light’s community of Barton Hill:
Over half of children live in poverty.
Many families face barriers including cost, transport, or finding activities that genuinely include children with additional needs.
No child should miss out because of money.
How our Youth Theatre breaks down barriers
Our Youth Theatre is based in Barton Hill and shaped around local families. We:
Run groups within walking distance for many children.
Provide free places and bursaries. Over half of members now receive financial support, with demand growing each year.
Deliver Louder Than Words, a free specialist group for young D/deaf and Disabled people, with additional needs supported across all our groups.
Offer holiday taster sessions with healthy meals, offering children experiencing food poverty the chance to try something creative and new, and many then join our Youth Theatre.
We need your help
We are launching this wider fundraising appeal by taking part in the Big Give’s Arts for Impact campaign from Tuesday 17 - Tuesday 24 March.
During this week we aim to raise £3,000 towards the running costs of Louder Than Words – our unique drama group for D/Deaf and Disabled young people and those with additional needs.
During this campaign week, donations up to the first £1,500 will be doubled at no extra cost to you.
Thanks to the Big Give’s match-funders, your generosity will go twice as far:
£10 becomes £20
£50 becomes £100
£250 becomes £500
Whatever you can give, no matter the size, every donation will make double the difference in supporting us to provide free drama sessions for D/Deaf and Disabled young people and those with additional needs.
Your donation will help keep our doors open to children and young people who would otherwise miss out.
With your support, we will run 30 after-school drama sessions over one year (10 per term), with creative activities and drama games delivered by experienced facilitators, reaching 10 Disabled children and young people.
