An 11-year-old carer from Co Down will be performing at the Ulster Hall in support of Sólás, a charity that provides vital services for young people with additional needs and their families. The concert aims to raise funds for a new building at the charity's headquarters, which is urgently needed to accommodate the growing demand for its services.
An 11-year-old carer from Co Down will be among a group of young people performing at the Ulster Hall to raise funds for a local charity that has become a lifeline for their family. Sólás is a charity supporting young people with additional needs and their families through programmes including early years intervention, after-school clubs, homework clubs, and counselling. Due to increasing demand, the charity requires a new building at its Ormeau Road headquarters.
Last year, they sought £800,000 from Belfast City Council's Neighbourhood Regeneration Fund but received only £24,744, leaving a £492,000 shortfall. The charity has been actively fundraising through a GoFundMe page and various initiatives from its service users. Violet Allen, 11, from Castlereagh, will be performing at 'An Evening of Music in Support of Sólás' later this week. Violet's younger brother, Jacob (10), began attending Sólás in 2020, initially participating in their summer scheme before becoming a regular attendee. Jacob's mother, Lynsey, explained that they struggled to find inclusive spaces for Jacob and that Sólás transformed him. 'After that initial summer school, he was like a different little boy. He came out of his shell and we felt so reassured that from then on, he had a place he could go where he was accepted for who he was,' she shared. Violet joined Sólás' siblings group and will be singing at the concert. Lynsey also visits the centre regularly to connect with other parents and guardians of children on the autistic spectrum. She expressed that Sólás has been invaluable for her and her husband, Chris, as they navigate the challenges of supporting Jacob. 'For Violet, as a young carer who helps to look after brother, it’s also been invaluable. She’s met others experiencing the same things, learned more about how brother sees the world and now is an advocate amongst her peers,' she added. The concert is a testament to Sólás' impact and the community it fosters. It has been organised by fellow Sólás parent India Chapman-Webb, who is passionate about music and wants to use her platform to support the charity. 'Music is a huge part of my life,' India explained. 'I regularly perform with NI Opera and I wanted to share that passion with the young people and parents from Sólás, celebrate everything the charity does and try and help give back as much as we can.' The concert will feature a diverse lineup, including The Cross Border Youth Orchestra, Hard Rain Soloist Ensemble; M’ANAM; The Ulster Consort and Northern Ireland Opera; and Sólás' own children and youth performing a new piece by local composer Matthew Owens. Local broadcasting legend Noel Thompson will introduce the programme. 'The Ulster Hall has proven to be the perfect place for us,' India continued, 'not only because of the rich musical heritage associated with the space but because the team there have been able to accommodate us with tailored spaces around the building to help our young people feel settled and all our musical acts. We can’t wait for everyone to join us for a wonderful celebration of music and our special community.' An Evening of Music in Support of Sólás will take place at the Ulster Hall on Saturday 15 February at 6.30pm. Tickets are available at ulsterhall.co.uk.
Community Music Autism Charity Sólás Ulster Hall Music Concert Fundraising Additional Needs Young Carers Belfast
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