I've been doing some digging into just how much financial hardship is impacting young people’s opportunities and mental health in the UK—and the picture isn't very good.

That's why my CIC, Alpha Artistry World CIC, is offering a free art programme for ten artists aged 18-24 across London.

The programme is open to young people from ethnic minorities and those facing financial hardship. It aims to provide a free, safe space where they can receive artistic mentorship, express themselves through art and forge meaningful connections with each other—in real life. But most importantly, it seeks to build their mental fortitude through creativity.

So far we've received great support from the VCS department over at Tower Hamlets, but to fully bring this vision to life and make an even greater impact in the community, we're going to need some funds!

That's where this fundraiser comes in. To support my CIC, I’m dusting off my running shoes and will be running 5K on March 9th to raise £1000 for this programme—with 40% specifically going towards the cost of their individual, complimentary art kits.

What the stats say:

Recent NHS data really struck a chord with me, especially when I learned that young people aged 17 to 25 dealing with mental health concerns are three times more likely to be unable to afford activities like sports, days out, or simply hanging out with friends.

To make matters worse, 14.8% of 17 to 22-year-olds in similar situations are living in households that can’t afford enough food.

It really shouldn’t be this way, but for many young people in the UK, economic hardship (and the mental strain that can come with it) is unfortunately an every-day reality.

That's why creating a free initiative is so important to us.

Growing up in a single-income household and relying on free activities like this one, I know how much those small opportunities can make a big difference.

For me, it was having the chance to explore creativity and take part in special initiatives that helped shape my creative journey:

So every contribution, no matter the size, will make a difference and help paint a brighter picture of the future.

Thank you !

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Alpha Artistry World CIC is a Community Interest Company (CIC), passionate about unlocking creative potential in diverse communities and young people. https://www.alphaartistryworld.com/about