It’s been a busy few months for Reality Theatre and The Cab. As several funding programmes have come to an end, we’ve been spending a lot of time completing end-of-project reports and evaluating our work. While paperwork isn’t always the most exciting part of what we do, it does give us the opportunity to look at the impact our projects have had on the people we work with, and the results have been incredibly encouraging.

Unfortunately, when grants end, funding for projects often ends too. At present, our work with older people is unfunded, but we remain committed to delivering these sessions. The friendships, support networks and creative opportunities they provide are simply too important to stop, and we could never walk away from the people who rely on them. We are actively seeking new funding and keeping everything crossed for positive news in the coming months.

Alongside our community programmes, there has been plenty happening behind the scenes at The Cab. Thanks to our Community Facilities funding, major building improvements are underway. This includes replacing our ageing flat roof and transforming it into a rooftop garden that participants, visitors, staff and artists will be able to enjoy, as well as creating a new office and much-needed storage space.

We’re also delighted with the success of our new Freestyle Skateboarding community. What started as a simple social space has quickly grown into a welcoming hub for skaters and members of the alternative community. Looking ahead, we’d love to expand the project with workshops, guest speakers and film screenings, subject to securing additional funding.

As we move into the summer, we’ll be focusing on completing the building works, strengthening our programmes and securing the funding needed to continue supporting our communities. As always, thank you to everyone who supports, attends, volunteers and believes in what we do. You help make it all possible.