Free dance classes for TR14ers thanks to Young Minds First

Earlier in November, we invited Danette and Austin from Young Minds First to visit TR14ers Dance Charity Limited during their vibrant 20-year anniversary celebration and to see first-hand how their recent funding is supporting young people in Camborne.

TR14ers is powered by an inspiring team of volunteers, including David and Amara-Leigh, who warmly welcomed us. The charity operates with only two paid staff, both freelance dance teacher, while the rest of the work is driven by community passion and commitment.

Recognising that many young people across Cornwall simply cannot afford extracurricular activities like dance, TR14ers set out to remove barriers. They know just how transformative these activities can be for a young person’s emotional, physical and mental wellbeing. To make their sessions accessible to everyone, they offer free Friday dance classes, which now attract up to 30 young participants each week.

Young Minds First, whose mission is to support the emotional wellbeing of children and young people, recently awarded TR14ers a £3,000 grant to help ensure these free sessions can continue and young people of Camborne can still have access to these types of classes no matter their financial circumstance.

Story of change

David told us about a girl who would be crying in the corner of the room the first few times she attended. Now, she was dancing joyfully at the centre of attention during the event, where lots of parents and carers were watching her, evidencing the increased confidence in herself.

“It was amazing to join in to celebrate 20 years of free dance classes for children and young people in Camborne, only possible thanks to a group of dedicated volunteers and only 2 paid people (the freelance dance teachers)! An incredible milestone! Thanks to David, Amara-Leigh, Violet, Richard and all the other volunteers. Keep up the great work!” – Wouter Klinkenberg, Grants Officer, CCF

About the Funder

The Young Minds First FundA sum of money made available for grant making, often with specific criteria/conditions. supports children and young people’s emotional wellbeing throughout Cornwall and Isles of Scilly.

If you’re a community group looking for funding, take a look at our available grants.

If you’re interested in donating to help community groups such as this, take a look at our ways to donate.