2022 Shortlisted Nominee
Community Organisation Award: Race, Religion & Faith
Intermission Youth helps to transform the lives of young people living in areas of deprivation, experiencing high levels of anti-social behaviour, family breakdown and dependency. They believe that constant support, nurture, and care in a young person's life can give them the confidence to make positive choices and change the course of their lives. Darren Raymond was invited to set up Intermission Youth at a theatre church in the heart of Knightsbridge, London, established by Bishop Rob and Janine Gillion as a safe, reflective, and creative space for arts. Starting with just 4 young people, IY has seen more than 7,000 young people from different nationalities, faiths, and London boroughs, take part in the various programmes they offer, including the 10-month Youth Theatre programme, work in prison, schools, and pupil referral units. The work is centred around Shakespeare, reshaping access to the arts and the empowerment of young people.