Community
The Trust began supporting community work by forming long-term partnerships with community welfare delivery organisations in a venture philanthropy model. In later years, the Trust focused its support on community-based projects in the area surrounding its South London headquarters.
Examples of community welfare projects and organisations supported by PDHCT include:
Team London Bridge
Team London Bridge is an independently run Business Improvement District, funded by rate-paying organisations based in London Bridge. Their mission is to make the area a world-class business district and visitor destination.
In 2011, Team London Bridge moved its administrative offices into The Woolyard building alongside PDHCT, with a view to increasing collaboration between the two and improving the quality of life for people in the local community.
PDHCT should be lauded for its intrepid aspirations and entrepreneurial ethos
Old Vic New Voices’ EPIDEMIC
In 2012, Old Vic New Voices created a multi-media musical entitled EPIDEMIC. This ambitious community project saw over 100 cast and crew and 3,000 audience members explore issues of mental health through dance and music.
EPIDEMIC not only tackled important health issues but also celebrated the participants’ diverse cultural heritage, giving those selected a creative forum to explore a shared voice.
National Youth Theatre’s ‘Playing Up’ Programme
The National Youth Theatre’s Playing Up programme offers a one-year accredited drama training program for young people who are not studying or working. Successful students gain an Access to Higher Education Diploma in Theatre Arts, a Level 3 qualification equivalent to two A Levels.
PDHCT’s support enabled this valuable program to expand in London, the West Midlands and Glasgow, reaching young at-risk people and engaging them in this innovative educational programme.