People from disadvantaged backgrounds are often shut out from opportunities to be sporty, creative or musical. But not if these Changemakers have anything to do with it.
Richard Henderson, the Dorothy Pax
“Champion of grassroots music” Richard Henderson hosts live music at his pub, the Dorothy Pax in Sheffield. His nominator wrote: “He is very humble about his work and recognises the influence of many others, especially of Martin F Bedford, who died last year. Richard is a host who is naturally inclusive to all comers.” Richard collaborates with many other venues in Sheffield to host events and promote live music across all genres. In 2023 Richard put on Pax in the Park, a community-funded music festival which was free to attend and family-friendly. Richard and his cat, Dot (who is also head of pub security) have created an “open and friendly venue for everyone”.
What is your ‘big issue’ and how are you trying to tackle it?
Our big issue and almost everyone’s big issue that many of us find ourselves in is the cost of living crisis and to be honest I’m not sure crisis is a strong enough word to describe the financial difficulties the people involuntarily find themselves struggling with. We understand there’s international forces at play, multinational corporations reporting record-breaking profits but where’s the generosity, understanding, help and may I say kindness? It feels like a race to the bottom with the most vulnerable being left behind.
We’re not very good capitalists, we’re a live music venue and have always kept 80% of our gigs free. Why should access to art be dependent on the thickness of your wallet? We’re mindful of the fact that perhaps for some of our guests spending some time with us may be the only time they’ve been out for a gig that week or that month. Please share some time with us, sit for two hours with a glass of water we’re just glad to see your happy faces.
Due to the cost of living clusterfuck (our new working title), the model where bar sales are sufficient to pay artists and engineer costs, is defunct. We make every effort to buy incredibly well and price so you can borrow a few quid from your Nan, mate or neighbour and still have some quality slurps and relish in some great music. We’re incredibly proud of this.
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We’ve launched a Patreon scheme, whereby those that can and would like to can gift a small donation to help keep our gigs free and the pickup rate has been rather overwhelming. We had no comprehension that our little space held such a big place into people’s hearts.
In short, we just wanna stay open and do our work.
What’s the one thing you want people to know about your work?
We have world-class gigs, PA, techs, engineers, audience and artists. You should swing by, check us out, you’ll be very welcome and we know you’ll enjoy your time with us.
What are your 2024 highlights?
Too many to list, really. Smiles, joy and watching people I’ve never spoken to enjoy our space. Convincing artists that could fill our venue five times over to come and play for us. Being intrepid, asking for help from people far more experienced, and knowledgeable and winging it. Looking back to 2017 when we first opened, I remember we celebrated when 50 people followed us on our socials and now in excess of 30,000 people seem to be interested in what we’re up to. Watching our crew grow, develop and take the next step on their journey. This has always given us deep joy.
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What are your plans for 2025?
We’ve just got to be steadfast and hold our nerve. Every day’s a small battle keeping the doors open and still being here to host our guests and pay our artists and engineers. Press on, surely this darkness has to give… being ready to embrace a better time than where we are now.
Euella Jackson co-leads the Rising Arts Agency for young under-represented creative thinkers aged 18-30. Only 27% of the creative industries workforce come from working-class backgrounds. The Bristol-based organisation champions access and, crucially, paying people well. Jackson’s nominator writes: “Euella has created a meaningful community and works to create sector-level change.” This radical organisation is a game changer for the aspiring artists it supports.
Imy Saunders. Image: Nadya Maksimenko
Imy Saunders, Girls Super League
Young Changemaker Imy Saunders, 24, is co-ordinator for Bloomsbury Football Foundation’s (BFF) Girls Super League. BFF is a grassroots charity transforming the lives of 5,200 young people each week through football. Operating across nine London boroughs, BFF strives to dismantle barriers to participation. Saunders has overseen the launch of BFF’s Girls Strategy – aiming to get 10,000 girls on the pitch every week, and ensuring an even gender divide across all Bloomsbury programmes.
Art Against Knives
Art Against Knives (AAK) specialises in violence intervention and prevention work to stop young people in London from becoming victims or perpetrators of crime, and helps build creative spaces including a music studio, podcasting rooms and multiple nail bars, which have been used by more than 2,000 young people. A team of creative professionals provides skills training, mentoring and specialist support. Their nominator wrote, “They are truly phenomenal!”
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Find the rest of the Changemakers series on the links below and pick up the magazine from your local Big Issue vendor.
Based in Richmond, this not-for-profit music academy helps young people to form bands. Access to rehearsal spaces, professional musicians and recording studios are available so kids can concentrate on the music. Anna Texier set up Powerjam with more than music on her mind: listening to and making music is a proven stress reducer and mood booster. Through music, Powerjam promotes confidence as well as musicianship, and 45% of the current cohort come from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Sports Fun 4 All
Kieran Connolly set up Sports Fun 4 All with the goal of supporting children from all backgrounds through football. Last year Connolly told Big Issue: “Football is just the vehicle we use to engage young people. The real impact can be seen in the skills and lessons they learn through play. I’ve seen young people grow in confidence, build resilience, improve communication skills, and be inspired by the coaches they work with. We also work with police youth engagement teams to help improve community relations with the police.”
Oxford Poetry Library
Nominated by its users for creating an “incredible, vibrant space”, Oxford Poetry Library is led entirely by volunteers. Their mission is to reduce social isolation and increase connections through literacy. Promoting a safe space for everyone is at the heart of the library. They offer workshops specifically designed for those who are facing housing insecurity as well as under-represented groups. With weekly library opening hours, 12 different regular workshop series and two monthly “invaluable” open mic sessions, this is a community and a home for so many people across Oxford.
Blue Spirit Sailing
Blue Spirit Sailing takes young people (aged 14 to 25) facing mental health issues or economic disadvantage out on the ocean. Based in the north-east of England, they cover food, hire of waterproofs and mooring costs. The charity was set up by Solen Jenny Lees, who lost her son Laury Gratiet to suicide in 2020. He was a passionate sailor, and Blue Spirit Sailing was set up in his memory. Through the Laury Gratiet Bursary Fund, young people are offered life-changing experiences.
AudioActive
Hip-hop duo Rizzle Kicks are alumni and patrons of AudioActive, a non-profit set up in 1999 in Brighton to provide creative spaces for young musicians from all backgrounds to practise their music at a local level. AudioActive’s nominator highlighted the organisation’s SHIFT programme in particular, which offers mentoring to vulnerable young people. Their nominator wrote: “SHIFT builds up young people’s self efficacy, resilience, social relationships and aspirations. These protective factors reduce young people’s risks of becoming victims or perpetrators of serious violence or becoming involved in the criminal justice system.”
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Sangini
Gender-based violence disproportionately affects socially excluded young women. Sangini is a South Shields-based organisation committed to ending gender-based violence against women and girls. Their nominator says they help elevate black women’s physical, mental and spiritual health through art, heritage, crafts and social activities to help women recover from experiences of gender-based violence, while also promoting cultural diversity.
