Accessible Arts & Media

We’re Accessible Arts & Media and we’ve been running inclusive arts and media learning projects in and around York since 1982. We believe that everyone can learn, everyone can be creative, and everyone can play a part in their local community. They just need the right support. Our projects include singing and signing choirs; creative media training programmes; specialist sensory activities; and training programmes where learning-disabled adults and young people train as workshop leaders. A lot of different people take part our projects, from disabled adults and young people, to people living with dementia and memory loss and people with mental ill health. We also work with schools, community groups and businesses. The people who take part in our projects often face difficulty with everyday activities and can end up feeling isolated and cut off. Taking part in our projects helps them: • explore and connect with the world around them, in a safe, supportive, fun environment; • learn to work and communicate with other people, making new friends along the way; • learn new skills that they can transfer to other parts of their lives, including education, training and employment; • grow the confidence to have more of a say in the things that matter to them; • contribute to their local community through workshops, exhibitions and performances; • feel happy, connected, confident and valued, all of which can have a profound impact on wellbeing We level the playing field by providing everyone with the support and space they need to have an equal say. And we make sure that everyone has a lot of fun along the way! We’re a small charity with a big heart, and an even bigger personality. We deliver over 1,000 creative learning sessions every year, giving over 800 people the chance to learn new skills, grow in confidence and find their moment to shine. We’ve got a vision for a more inclusive society, where everyone gets the chance to shine. We’re helping that happen in York.