During the financial year, FR33 TO DREAM CIC has continued to focus on developing creative and educational opportunities for the local community particularly for youth and young adults interested in careers within the performing arts, music management, media, and education sectors. Over the past two years, the organisation has actively applied for external funding to deliver community-based projects and workshops aimed at nurturing creative talent and improving employability skills. Despite several unsuccessful applications to the National Lottery Fund and the Deptford Fund, the CIC has remained committed to its mission of empowering young people through creativity and personal development. The directors have used this period to strengthen partnerships, refine project proposals, and explore sustainable income streams to support future delivery. The organisation continues to engage with local stakeholders and creative practitioners to ensure that, once funding is secured, the workshops will have a meaningful and lasting impact on the community.

FR33 TO DREAM CIC has engaged directly with a range of local stakeholders, including parents, young people, and staff from nearby colleges and sixth forms, particularly those with an interest in the performing arts, music industry, and media sectors. Through community conversations, informal focus groups, and feedback gathered during outreach visits to schools and local events, we have been able to identify the key challenges facing youth and young adults in our area. This consultation process has been instrumental in aligning our proposed projects with the actual needs of the community, helping us strengthen the focus and relevance of our grant and funding applications. From our research and engagement with approximately 60 parents and over 100 students and young adults, we discovered that a significant proportion (around 40%) come from single-parent households who often feel the strain of trying to support their children’s creative ambitions while managing financial and time pressures. Parents expressed concern that their children lack accessible creative opportunities and professional guidance outside of school or college settings. We also found that around 70% of the young people consulted felt that, beyond formal education, there are very few productive or structured activities available to help them explore or build careers in the creative industries. This gap often leads to frustration, loneliness, and in some cases, declining mental health and disengagement from education. Some parents and teachers also raised concerns about increased vulnerability to negative peer influence and potential gang involvement due to this lack of creative and developmental outlets. This feedback has reinforced our mission to create accessible, skill-based programmes and workshops designed to inspire, educate, and empower young people through creativity, while also providing relief for parents and positive engagement for the wider community.

No remuneration was received

No transfer of assets other than for full consideration