After school club funding!

We are incredibly grateful to The National Lottery Reaching Communities for their belief in our work and for awarding us three years of funding to support The Bank of Dreams & Nightmares.

This funding means we can continue to run our three after-school clubs completely free of charge, removing cost as a barrier for children who need creative spaces the most. These clubs are often where young people first find the confidence to share their ideas, take risks with their writing, and realise that their voice matters.

Crucially, the funding will also allow us to employ a new Outreach Coordinator. This role will focus on reaching children who are most likely to miss out; those experiencing disadvantage, isolation, anxiety, or a lack of access to creative opportunities. It will help us strengthen relationships with schools, families and local partners, and make sure our support reaches the young people who will benefit most.

Over the past three years, our after-school clubs have become safe, welcoming spaces where children can be playful, thoughtful and brave with their ideas; whether they’re writing stories, articles, poems or simply discovering that they enjoy writing at all. This funding gives us stability, confidence and the ability to plan for the long term, something that small charities rarely get.

We know that this support is only possible because of National Lottery players, and we are deeply thankful. Their contribution is helping young people in our community feel heard, valued and empowered, not just for a single session, but week after week, year after year.

Thank you for backing imagination, creativity and children’s voices.