A recent survey reveals that approximately four in ten children are being excluded from after-school clubs due to escalating costs, resulting in feelings of guilt among many parents. The poll, which surveyed 1,000 parents with children aged eight to sixteen, found that families have spent an average of £570 on extracurricular activities over the past year. This financial burden has pushed 44% of parents to feel remorseful as their children miss out on sports and performing arts opportunities, such as theatre and music.
The study, commissioned by The London Cabaret Club, highlights the financial challenges that families face, including expenses for trips, subscription fees, and necessary equipment. As a response to this growing issue, co-founders Evelina Girling and Doni Fierro have launched a new initiative aimed at helping young people who cannot afford arts training. The programme seeks to provide access to careers in the performing arts for those from less affluent backgrounds.
The initiative has garnered support from Tasha Ghouri, a television star and ambassador for the programme. Ghouri shared her personal experiences in navigating a competitive industry, stating, “Having faced significant challenges accessing a highly competitive and demanding industry, I know how many obstacles young people encounter when trying to break into entertainment.” She emphasized that financial pressures should not hinder children’s opportunities to explore their passions.
The survey results indicate that 40% of parents have turned down opportunities for their children to join clubs they were eager to attend. A notable 46% of parents admitted their children had to stop attending after-school activities due to financial constraints. Despite these challenges, 77% of parents expressed confidence that with the right support, their children could pursue careers in the arts. Furthermore, 84% believe that arts and performance-based activities are equally important for young people’s development as academic pursuits.
Parents also pointed to limited school support, with 25% citing it as a barrier, while 16% mentioned social pressure to prioritize academic subjects over artistic ones. Girling reiterated the importance of addressing these challenges, stating, “London is a world stage for talent, yet many young people face financial and educational barriers that keep creative careers out of reach.”
In this tenth anniversary year of providing entertainment, The London Cabaret Club has committed to supporting young talent through this programme. Girling encouraged other influential organizations in the entertainment industry to join the effort, saying, “We hope other influential organisations in the entertainment industry will join us in opening doors for the next generation.”
This initiative not only aims to alleviate financial pressures on families but also seeks to foster a generation of creative talent, ensuring that financial limitations do not hinder access to the arts. The conversation around the importance of after-school clubs continues to grow, as parents and organizations alike advocate for more inclusive opportunities for children across all backgrounds.
