Newcastle Airport proudly joins forces with new charity partner True Colours Theatre
Via newcastleairport.com
Newcastle Airport is delighted to name True Colours Theatre as its new official charity partner.
The award-winning charity, which empowers children and young people through performing arts, secured the new partnership after being nominated and voted for by Airport employees.
Founded in 2014, True Colours Theatre runs a fully-inclusive performing arts school in Wallsend, North Tyneside, where the majority of its members have additional needs such as autism, ADHD, anxiety disorders and physical and life-limiting conditions.
Its theatre and dance classes provide a safe and supportive environment where its students of all abilities can build confidence, develop friendships and express themselves creatively without the fear of being judged or discriminated against.
The partnership will not only see the Airport raise vital funds for the charity through a range of initiatives but will also give its employees the opportunity to volunteer at the theatre on dedicated community engagement days.
Alice Andreasen, Chief Sustainability and Communications Officer at Newcastle Airport, said: “We are delighted to welcome True Colours Theatre as our new charity partner.
“The charity’s commitment to enriching the lives of children and young people and providing them with a safe and happy space where they can build friendships, develop new skills and express themselves is truly inspiring. It is a cause that many of our staff hold close to their hearts and one that strongly aligns with our values.
“We look forward to working closely with True Colours Theatre to not only raise funds but also learn from the work they do to support children with additional needs and understand how this could be replicated in our own passenger journeys.”
Alisar-Jane Taylor, Founder and CEO of True Colours Theatre, said: “True Colours Theatre is a safe space for all and inclusion and acceptance is at the heart of everything we do.
“To know our members can grow as individuals without any stigma and judgement is paramount to us and their accomplishments are a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when they have the right people by their side who believe in them. Together we all shine to make a beautiful rainbow.”
True Colours Theatre has gained national recognition for the positive impact it has on young people’s lives – most notably featuring on primetime BBC One show DIY SOS: The Big Build in 2023.
During the show, a team of volunteers led by Nick Knowles and Gaby Blackman joined Strictly Come Dancing stars Anton Du Beke, Katya Jones and Graziano di Prima to transform a derelict building into its new school, consisting of a dance studio, café, sensory room and sensory garden.
The students have gone on to showcase their talents and perform shows across the country, including at the Whitley Bay Playhouse, North Tyneside Together Festival and at Autism’s Got Talent in London, which was organised by disability and neurodiversity campaigner Anna Kennedy OBE.
For more information about True Colours Theatre and their work, visit www.truecolourstheatre.co.uk.
