Haringey Shed stands as a leading force in inclusive performing arts, offering children and young people a creative space where everyone has a part to play. Through the Haringey Shed inclusive performing arts programme, the charity provides term-time after-school sessions, holiday activities, and community outreach across local schools, nurseries, and centres. Because they operate with a no-auditions policy and deeply embedded inclusive techniques, they create an environment in which every young person feels valued, respected, and supported.
Their long-held slogan, “Where everyone has a part to play,” reflects their belief that every child—regardless of background, ability, or circumstance—deserves a safe and creative space to grow. This shared ethos aligns strongly with our mission at the Sarah Jane Leigh Charitable Trust (SJLCT), and it is why we are proud to support their work. Our trustee, Lindy Goldkorn, has seen first-hand how the charity uplifts young people, giving them confidence, purpose, and structure in an otherwise challenging environment. Even before the SJLCT was founded, Lindy volunteered with Haringey Shed to understand their impact directly, especially through the Kidstime project, which supports children whose parents live with mental illness.
How Haringey Shed Supports Mental Health Through the Arts
The aims of the Haringey Shed inclusive performing arts programme mirror the objects of our own charity. At the SJLCT, we work to relieve the needs of people experiencing poor mental health, including their families and carers, by providing supported activities, guidance, and therapeutic engagement. Haringey Shed achieves this through performance-based programmes that strengthen communication, confidence, teamwork, and emotional wellbeing. Because so many of the young people they support are at risk of poor mental health, their creative approach helps develop resilience and a sense of belonging.
Our grant supports five key areas of their inclusive programme over the next three years. Each area helps children and young people develop confidence, communication skills, and improved well-being:
Children’s Theatre offers acting, singing, and movement sessions that lead to public performances across Haringey. Children often gain confidence, independence, and stronger communication through the creative process.
Under One Roof Acting Group supports young people aged sixteen to nineteen, 90% of whom have disabilities. They explore creative writing, devising, and performance styles in a safe, dynamic environment.
Kidstime Annual Summer Trip provides families living with parental mental illness a rare day out together, creating joyful memories and strengthening family bonds.
Young People’s Residentials give young people the chance to exchange the inner-city environment for woodland experiences, where they develop teamwork, personal awareness, and confidence through challenging outdoor activities.
Haringey Shed Minibus Support ensures accessible transport so children and families can attend rehearsals, events, and outings safely and reliably.
Youth Forums, Residentials, and Future Mental Health Work
The Youth Forum plays an essential role in ensuring young people have influence, choice, and ownership over their activities. Each week, fifteen to twenty young people aged fourteen and over meet to discuss ideas, plan events, and take part in activities that strengthen their independence and self-awareness. They recently planned several events, including The Return of the Jam and a trip to Thorpe Park, all involving budgeting, fundraising, and collaborative decision-making.
Haringey Shed also organises an annual three-day residential at Hindleap Warren Outdoor Centre in East Sussex. Last year, twenty-five young people took part in night-time orienteering, high ropes, axe throwing, fire-lighting, and team challenges, alongside storytelling and marshmallow-toasting around the campfire. For many, this was their first time away from home; for others, it offered essential respite from caring responsibilities.
Over the coming year, Haringey Shed will deepen its work around mental health and wellbeing within both the Youth Forum and the residential programme. Their goal is to help young people understand the factors affecting mental health, recognise ways to improve their wellbeing, and know where to seek help when facing challenges. The SJLCT is proud to fund this crucial work, ensuring that the Haringey Shed inclusive performing arts model continues to support hundreds of young people and families who need it most.
