We couldn’t finish this year without letting you all in on a big landmark moment for us at Mortal Fools; we’ve set up another base in YMCA Northumberland, Ashington! This is such an exciting moment, rounding out another year of organisational growth, and will see us expand our creative projects and launch new youth theatre groups for young people in Ashington and the surrounding areas.

We specialise in co-creating theatre and creative projects with young people; offering opportunities to those aged 7-19 years old in Northumberland from our Prudhoe base. We believe that Youth Theatre is a tremendous vehicle for helping young people build their confidence and skills by engaging their creativity. We focus on supporting children and young people's creativity, wellbeing and self-belief using the medium of drama.

​The impact on young people through engaging with youth theatre and organisations like Mortal Fools and YMCA Northumberland can be huge and have a really important, positive effect on well-being. These safe, fun, creative spaces enable young people to make sense of the world, explore contemporary world issues with peers, and develop transferrable skills like emotional resilience, leadership and communication skills - skills that are even more important and needed in this uncertain landscape.

In addition to this expansion and new partnership, in 2022, Mortal Fools will be marking our 10 year organisational birthday alongside new projects, performances and lots of opportunities for young people to get involved! Keep an eye on our social media platforms @mortalfoolsuk and sign up to our mailing list to keep up to date with all our happenings. You can also visit www.mortalfools.org.uk/ashington-tasters to find out more about (and sign up for) Ashington Mortal Fools Youth Theatre taster sessions.
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We are so excited for this next chapter and another year of positive contributions to young people’s lives with our network and growing creative offer!

We are thrilled to be a part of the Co-op Local Community Fund from October 2021 – October 2022.

The Local Community Fund is an important way that Co-op members can support grassroot community projects, like Mortal Fools’ Young Leaders group, making a huge different to young people’s lives.

For every £1 members spend on selected Co-op branded products and services, 2p goes to your chosen local cause.

How you can support Mortal Fools via the Co-op Local Community Fund:

• Download the Co-op App or sign into your membership account online at www.coop.co.uk
• If you don’t have a membership account, then you need to become a Co-op member (costs £1 – which also goes to charity) which you can do via the app or via: www.coop.co.uk/membership . Your membership will enable you to donate to local causes alongside receiving exclusive discounts and offers.
• Once you’re a member and/or logged into your membership account, then all you have to do is select Mortal Fools to be your chosen local cause. You can do this via the app by searching for causes supporting young people and scrolling until you find Mortal Fools or on a computer when logged in, follow this link and select to support us: https://membership.coop.co.uk/causes/59610  
• Once selected, Mortal Fools will remain your chosen cause to support until you change it.
• Every time you shop at Co-op or use a Co-op service, either scan your co-op card (if you have one) or go to the app when you’re paying and scan the QR code version of your card. If you struggle to do this via the app when shopping or would like to have a physical card speak to a member of Co-op staff.

We really appreciate your support – this is an easy but meaningful way for Co-op shoppers and service users to support Mortal Fools as a charity and the young people we work with. Your contributions to the Mortal Fools pot will support our Young Leaders to organise projects, events and activities that engage their peers with creative opportunities, support their mental health and well-being and enrich Northumberland communities.
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Mortal Fools Co-op Local Cause Page: www.membership.coop.co.uk/causes/59610
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