ABOUT TAPE
TAPE is a community arts and media charity built upon the social model
of inclusion and an ethos of creative access and opportunities for all.
I never really had any dreams for my life beyond trying to survive before I headed here; you can take your immersion at your own pace, and aren’t pushed into doing anything that makes you uncomfortable; any new activities and opportunities are staggered, paced and opened into allowing you to take what paths and activities work for you. It’s hard to say this without it coming across as a cliché you brush over while reading, but I really have never felt safe or valued until I headed here.
– G (young person)
TAPE’s work centres on creative advocacy; taking people and their ideas seriously in order affect meaningful outcomes for everyone involved.
Much of this focusses on support for people from under-represented groups, people living in isolated circumstances or struggling with their mental health or wellbeing and thereby less able to readily engage.
To cut a long story short, my son required understanding, empathy, firm boundaries and more importantly an opportunity/ a safe space to find himself again. TAPE helped bring my son back; helped me bring back his smile, his silly jokes, preserve his identity, and his self-worth. Thank you, TAPE, for believing in my son when no one else did and thanks to the funders who make it possible for remarkable people like the TAPE team, to ease life’s journey for our young adults and for us parents, when we have felt helpless. Without your support and courage over time, my son would have missed out on a vital social setting that prepared him for the transition into adulthood.
– H (parent)
Co-creation sits at the heart of everything we do. We pride ourselves on taking time to listen and respond in ways which foster involvement, progression, change and the confidence to try new things. Whether in a school or college setting, through outreach work or the timetable of weekly workshops at the TAPE Community Arts Centre, we confidently work to support the development of ideas, transferable skills and new opportunities.
TAPE is an amazing place, it’s community is kind and accepting and they made a safe space for everyone to be welcome, TAPE has given me opportunities I never would have expected, I made friends that I never would have spoken to unless TAPE was here, no one feels alone at TAPE and its been amazing meeting new people.
– A (young person)
Since 2008, we have seen how this culture of confidence and open creativity can lead to incredible things. Connecting people and partners through co-creation, creative commissions and community activities, continues to underpin TAPE’s core aims, amplify new voices and ideas, and support meaningful change.
Prior to joining TAPE, my son suffered with depression, low self-esteem and anxiety. Having a place like TAPE to go to has given him a reason to leave the house. The confidence he has gained by taking part in the various projects and being treated as a valued member of the team has been amazing to witness. Thanks to TAPE he can now navigate the world with a little more confidence and feels he has a purpose in life.
– D (Parent)
Charity Number – 1151513
01492 512 109
hello@tapemusicandfilm.co.uk
