“Youth theatre changed my life”
This news story is from 24 June 2018.
Jonjo O’Neill raised nearly £1,500 by running the half marathon in aid of NYAT’s work
NYAT patron, Jonjo O’Neill, is a stage, TV and film actor, with a passion for the arts and providing access to the arts for young people where it is out of their reach.
Jonjo ran the Victoria Park half marathon in 2017 and very kindly raised an amazing £1,425 to support young musicians, dancers and actors from low income or disadvantaged backgrounds, access training and creative opportunities in the arts.
“I went along to a youth theatre class in West Belfast in 1991 and it changed my life. It was a place where I felt different, where I could breathe in a way that I couldn’t at home, at school, or in the street. It’s increasingly easy for young people to slip through the cracks; kids from difficult backgrounds, without access to creative outlets. We have to invest in young people and creativity. The National Youth Arts Trust is a charity that focuses on providing those who are disadvantaged or in difficulty with access to creative outlets and opportunities.”
A big thank you to Jonjo and everyone who supported his Victoria Park half marathon. For example, £1,000 can help a young musician pay for one to one lessons, instrument hire, travel to and from classes and membership to learn in an ensemble with other young musicians for a whole year or more! Thank you!
