Heart n Soul receive funding to help the creative talents of people with learning disabilities

An arts organisation in South London has received new funding for a scheme which harnesses the creative talents of young people with learning disabilities.

Deptford-based Heart n Soul has received £60,000 from City Bridge Trust – the City of London Corporation’s charity funder – for its Expandable project.

The project features one-to-one and group sessions enabling young people to develop new skills, make new music and art and hone their performance techniques.

It also includes regular club nights giving attendees the chance to perform and socialise together, which moved online during the pandemic.

Heart n Soul Taking Part assistant Ono Dafedjaiye said: “Getting involved with Heart n Soul helps people to make new friends and try new things so they don’t feel lonely – for some it’s the only thing they get to be involved with.

“During the coronavirus, people have been feeling more isolated and it’s affected their mental health. This project is about giving people the chance to stay connected with their friends and to build their confidence and skills.”

Based at The Albany arts centre, in Deptford, Heart n Soul was founded in 1985 with the aim of giving people with learning disabilities a safe place to be themselves.