October has been another jam – packed month filled with projects, performances and new opportunities!
Keep reading to hear about what Exim have been up to!
NHS Research and Development Van – Design Project
We are so happy to announce that we have a new exciting collaboration with NHS England to design their new Research and Development Van!
Our young people who access our services will be helping to design the outside of the van. Our Exim Practitioner Beth (Community Dance Practitioner) will then be collating all of the young peoples designs, to produce a final digital design.
This Research and Development Van will be in communities across Plymouth, and will provide both healthcare and wellbeing services.
Keep your eyes peeled for updates on how the project is going!
Looking for a fun, engaging alternative form of education? Keep reading …
Creative Education Programme
Exim Dance Company run a FREE Creative Education programme which forms part of alternative provision for young people’s education (whether complimenting part time education, exclusion or SEND needs).
These sessions are every Monday 1-2.30pm at Oxford House Creative Hub.
Our Creative Education offer is for young people between the ages of 11 – 18 years (up to 25 with disabilities) who are not currently attending full time mainstream education. Young people on this project will have the opportunity to develop transferable skills, build confidence and learn creatively with peers in a safe and collaborative environment.
If you are interested in your young person/people attending please get in contact to sign up at classes@eximdance.org.uk.
Our Traverse Youth Dance Platform this year was packed! Keep reading to find out how it went …
Traverse Youth Dance Platform
We just wanted to say the biggest thank you to every single person that was a part of Traverse Youth Dance Platform on Saturday 14th October at University of Plymouth, The House.
A huge congratulations to the 80 dancers who performed, you blew the audience away, and thank you to all the wonderful group leaders for your hard work and dedication.
Thanks to Suzie and Rob from Hall for Cornwall and Kadus from Rhythm City Dance Studio for leading incredible workshops, inspiring the young people.
Thanks to our very own Beth, Kaitlyn and Chloe for creating a beautiful BSL finale dance and to the Traverse team. Thank you The House theatre technician team Fotonow (CIC) for capturing the day and the amazing sold-out audience of 210 people.
The atmosphere was electric, and we will be sharing with you soon images and footage from the event!
Onto our Educational Statistics …
Educational Statistics
Our education programmes go from strength to strength! It is important we continue to build long-lasting relationships with educators and young people.
Check out some of the findings from our Impact Survey with educational providers: 82% of sessions have built confidence, 90% of staff have witnessed positive changes in young people, 100% of sessions have improved physical health.
Exim Dance has been shortlisted for the Impact Award
We are thrilled to announce that Exim Dance has been shortlisted for the Impact Award category at the upcoming Plymouth Social Enterprise Network City Awards.
This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team and the positive impact we have made in our community.
Exim are committed to using dance as a tool for social change and empowerment.
Through our various programmes and initiatives, we inspire individuals, promote inclusivity, and foster creativity.
We firmly believe that dance has the power to improve lives and bring about positive change, and being shortlisted for the Impact Award is not only an honour but also an opportunity to further our mission.
This nomination reinforces the value of our work and encourages us to continue pushing boundaries and creating meaningful experiences through dance.
WE NEED YOUR HELP:
In order to determine the winners, the results are through a short public vote before the awards ceremony.
We encourage everyone to take just 60 seconds to vote for Exim and support not only our organisation but also the other amazing organisations in the running.
We are always so happy to hear from parents and guardians on how our services have impacted their young people!
Keep reading to hear a testimony from one of our service users parents …
Parent Testimony – Daniel
We are extremely proud to witness the journey that Daniel has taken and we always look forward to him being a part of sessions, as well as now being a Change Maker.
Check out the wonderful testimony below:
‘Daniel has gained so much from his overall involvement with Exim! He’s been with you for 4 years now, which is just amazing, and you have given him so many opportunities. He has grown so much with his self confidence and being able to make friendships.
He is a lot more active, always bopping around and dancing to things, and is more prepared to try things that previously he wouldn’t. It’s a big deal to us to see his confidence and ‘have a go ‘ attitude improve.
The icing on the cake for him this year was to be able to support with the primary school children during fit and fed in the summer, he really enjoyed that.
He really thinks the world of all the staff, other adults and young people he has met during his time with Exim so far.
Everything about Exim is just brilliant. You are all really brilliant role models practising Best Practice always. Please keep on making that difference!’.
Onto an exciting project …
Exim and Connecting Youth CIC – Belong In Plymouth Project
Exim and Connecting Youth CIC have joined forces to embark on an incredible collaboration.
We are thrilled to announce that we are leading on the young people aspects of the project and will be co-designing a training programme.
This will be alongside the young individuals to become community researchers, as part of the Belong In Plymouth project with Plymouth Octopus – POP.
Belong in Plymouth is one of five initiatives across the UK that aims to address complex health inequalities.
The overall Plymouth project goal is to establish a strong network; connecting individuals who aspire to create a city where no one feels forgotten.
To give you a glimpse into the amazing work we’re doing, we’d love for you to check out the video footage thanks to The King’s Fund featuring the brilliant young people who are a part of the project.
The young people involved have already made a significant impact, and we are incredibly proud of their accomplishments.
Want to learn more about the Belong in Plymouth project? Visit the website here.
Onto our most recent holiday programme …
HAF October Half Term Programme
During the October half term, Exim’s young people have been getting involved in our FREE Holiday Activities and Food Programme (HAF) during October Half Term.
Our young people have been getting involved with various activities, including dancing, memory box making, food tasks and pumpkin carving!
We want to say a big thank you to StreetGames for funding this programme!
Keep reading to hear about training the Exim Team recently undertook …
Mental Health First Aid Training
A big thank you to Livewell Southwest for two incredible days of training, where members of the team, ambassadors, and support staff joined forces to take part in Mental Health First Aid training Mental Health First Aid England.
For some, this was a renewal of knowledge and skills, but for others, it was an entirely new experience.
Regardless, the trainers provided us with the most caring and supportive environment throughout these two days.
Let’s continue spreading the message of mental wellness and support!
Onto very exciting news …
U.Dance South West Regional Festival Applications
U.Dance South West Regional Festival Applications are now open!
The peninsula platform will take place on day 1 at The House, University of Plymouth on the 9th March, while the regional platform will be hosted on day 2 at The Lyric, Theatre Royal Plymouth on the 10th March 2024.
Full details can be located in both the application form and application pack.
Don’t miss the chance to take part! The South West regional application process closes on Wednesday 3rd January 2024.
Photo Credit: Brett Lockwood
Onto an upcoming event …
Adult Open Company Class sessions with Winona Guy
Join us Monday evenings in November for our Adult Open Company Class sessions with Winona Guy from Monday 6th November.
Class Description:
Join Winona as we head into the winter months for sessions aimed at keeping us moving, connecting and curious.
Winona’s classes will use a mix of release technique, improvisation and creative tasks, exploring both structured phrases, scores and your own interests in movement.
We’ll explore notions of effort, energy, sustainability and kinship, within dance and beyond.
Winona invites you to come as you are, with whatever energy you feel.
Everyone is welcome, whether you’re a regular mover or it’s your first time.
Sessions are Mondays 7.15pm – 8.30pm, 6th – 27th November at Oxford House Creative Hub.
To book a space click here.
Photo Credit: Tom Parker
