October’s ‘Reel Songs’ brought the auditorium to life as our Chicks@6, RockItMen, and the inimitable Unlikely Lads took to the spotlight to celebrate the power of our community and connection.

This show was a reflection of everything that becomes possible when people are given the opportunity to feel part of something. It united 45 participants, aged from 18 to 88. Among them were families performing side by side, carers and loved ones, those who are neurodiverse or with additional support needs thriving without judgement. Each person came together, not through circumstance, but through the shared joy of the arts.  

Thanks to the continued support of our community, partners, and funders, every one of these groups is completely free to attend. We know that poverty is about more than income, and loneliness is about more than relationships. It’s about opportunity, chances, aspiration, and the right to be seen, valued and supported. Removing financial barriers allows people to feel included, and to rediscover the confidence that can transform their lives.

The impact speaks for itself:

-       98% of participants reported feeling more confident and included

-       98% said their mental health had improved

-       79% shared that being part of CentreStage has helped them tackle challenges in other areas of life

These numbers represent lives transformed through creativity and connection. Behind every statistic is a story of someone who’s found their voice, accessed a service they didn’t know existed, or formed a friendship that’s changed their outlook.

These outcomes are a result of placing people and potential at the heart of the CentreStage model. Access to creativity and connection is not a luxury, but a fundamental driver of wellbeing an community growth.  

At the heart of CentreStage lies a commitment to ensuring that the benefits of participating in the arts is shared by all. Our activities and partnerships are enabling people to develop skills and relationships that ripple far beyond the CentreStage Village. With 30+ co-located partners, from financial advice to childcare and mental health support, we know that real change begins with people - people who feel seen, supported, and part of something greater than themselves.

None of it would be possible without the belief and generosity of our supporters, participants, volunteers, and audiences. They make it possible for people of all ages and backgrounds to access the arts, not as a privilege but a right. By investing in organisations like ours, together we’re building the wellbeing, confidence, and resilience that help communities thrive.

Reel Songs was a celebration of that collective spirit and all that’s possible by coming together to paint a picture where people are not defined by circumstance, but by possibility.