Story
Corn Exchange Newbury's creative participation activity provides a lifeline to many local people but it currently takes place in a temporary shared space and desperately needs a new permanent home at the Old Library. We want to reopen this much loved historic building for our community, providing dedicated engagement spaces, a small café/bar and places to gather.
This will be such a valuable space and wonderful resource for our town.
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The Old Library will be home to the following activity:
Children and young people
Over 150 4 -19 year olds take part in weekly inclusive youth theatre sessions, making new friends and learning new performance skills. Sessions support young people in building confidence and self-esteem as well as teaching the importance of commitment, teamwork and empathy.
I am so glad I didn't quit drama. The show was the best thing I've ever done and it felt amazing. I'm going to be in every show, every year until I'm a grown up and then I'm going to be an actor.
Older communities
We deliver and co-ordinate a wide range of creative activities for older people living throughout the district to foster social connection, combat loneliness and positively impact wellbeing.
Before coming here to Coffee Companions, I didn’t go out, I didn’t really do anything. Now I’m a different person. I am busy (with activities) almost every day!
Arts on prescription
Our pioneering Links to Thrive programme, aims to improve mental health of both adults and teens, in collaboration with local health services, through participation in creative activities.
I was able to tolerate the week by knowing that I get a real respite session on Thursday mornings.