The Basement Door
People: Supporting young people to fulfil their potential
We have a constant need to bring in experts in sound and lighting to train our young people. This costs on average £200 per month, and as we are a small charity this put a strain on our limited funds.
About this cause
Our goal is to educate and train young people aged 12–22 in all aspects of running an event. This includes sound engineering, light engineering, operating tills, setting up and packing down stages amongst other things. All these areas of work are certificated on a national award scheme giving the young people easier access to work in the music and theatre industry, as well as helping to work through mental health issues and building confidence. We also run gigs for young bands and solo artists helping them focus on improving performances and again building confidence. We run training sessions monthly and several gigs to practice the theoretical training. Currently we have 52 young people volunteering and learning with us.
How this cause brings people in the community together
Our project continues to support many young people in Richmond and Kingston boroughs, giving an equal opportunity to LGBTQ+ young people and those with mental health and financial disadvantages. Our training and opportunities in the music industry increase their potential for gainful employment and/or higher education. Successful examples include a 14-year-old with many health issues who, after training with us, now works for a major industry lighting company. Another of our young people was thinking of leaving school, and has now passed their law degree and is the safeguarding officer for our charity. We also had an extremely shy and withdrawn young person who, after only a short time, appeared singing on stage in front of a crowd of 300 people.