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.
Our Big Give Arts for Impact campaign
From 17 - 24 March, we took part in the Big Give Arts for Impact match funding campaign. Through this, we have raised £4,267.09 to support our Louder Than Words group. Thanks to everyone who generously donated to this campaign. This has provided a great start towards reaching our wider £30,000 fundraising target by September 2026.
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 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.
Only 10% of Travelling Light’s funding comes from public sources. Each year, we rely on the generosity of our supporters to keep our Youth Theatre groups open.
What your gift could do:
£20 could go towards materials for creative activities and performances, developing children’s self-esteem through sharing their creativity with friends and family.
£30 could pay for an assistant for a Youth Theatre session, giving each child the support and encouragement they need.
£60 could provide a free place for a term for a young person who would otherwise miss out.
Your donation will help keep our doors open to children and young people who would otherwise miss out.
With your support, 60 children will grow their creativity, confidence, self-expression and friendships this year.
