A group that gives local disabled and non-disabled people the opportunity to create, rehearse and perform together, has received a boost this month – thanks to a donation from Southern Vectis.
Valuing Individuals Valuing All (VIVA) aims to make its performances accessible to all – allowing everyone to take part in carnival arts.
Elkins: We aim to overcome barriers and work together
Yetta Elkins, chair of VIVA Carnival Club (pictured on the right), said,
“We know that this is not easy for some, especially for people with disabilities or for those with chronic health conditions.
“We aim to overcome barriers and work together to make carnival and performance that everyone can be part of and be proud of.
“VIVA is a constituted group. We hold weekly samba drumming workshops, throughout the year, as well as carnival costume, craft and performance workshops geared towards specific events.
Elems: We were delighted to receive £500
Marcus Elems, joint chair of VIVA Carnival Club, added,
“We currently have a membership of around 25 to 30 people, and are supported by volunteers from the Island’s largest community samba band – RAW Samba.
“As a self funding group from weekly membership fees, we turned to Southern Vectis’ community fund, and were delighted to receive £500.
“This will go a long way to kitting out our members with new t-shirts. Having new uniform really bonds the group, and creates a sense of teamwork. We will be wearing them to our rehearsals and all our performances, and we’re very grateful for Southern Vectis’ generous support.”
Tyldsley: We wish them all the best for their future performances
Southern Vectis’ general manager, Richard Tyldsley, said,
“It is important that we maintain strong relationships with local charities, clubs and organisations across the Island.
“As well as that, we feel our bus services can play an important role in social inclusion and we work hard to make them accessible for all – so VIVA is the perfect recipient of a donation from our community fund. We wish them all the best for their future performances.”
News shared by Paula on behalf of Southern Vectis. Ed
