A is for Action

MD Productions has a vested interest in making a positive impact within the community which is the reason behind Blank Canvas CIC, this is a free provision for 5 to 24 year olds to access across the Liverpool City Region with a wraparound support system available for the whole household to access. MD identified a need for a free community provision when 1st setting up the company back in 2001 after seeing how people used performing arts and creativity as a form to release and escape. With an ethos of making change, instilling confidence, building communication skills and creating a safe space for people to dream, believe and achieve they help to identify and remove some of the barriers that stand in people's way.

The project takes people on a creative journey from a:- 'Blank Canvas to Performance Ready, for life, for work, for stage' as performing arts is not just about the stage, it's recognising that every part of the creative journey as an enhancement to life skills. The free provision currently allows access for 200 people, captivating and engaging young people whilst enhancing their life opportunities and getting them ready for education, training or employability by offering a range of classes in:- performing arts, creativity, cookery, hairdressing, make up, DJ'ing, fitness and more all whilst upskilling and instilling family values.

MD Productions have been working in and giving to the community for the last 18 years, with the rapid growth and to meet the need of the project, due to the loss of a sponsor they are currently on a fundraising campaign for Blank Canvas CIC to be able to continue the work that they do at the level required, and are now asking for the support back. All funds raised will go towards developing the key work support system, running and staff costs, covering overheads and materials as well as being able to capacity build allowing more people to access the free provision and to grow the outreach and community engagement, whilst offering full wraparound care to those who may need additional support.

They will be holding their 1st Blank Canvas Gala Dinner, on Saturday, 29 September 2018, at the Hilton Hotel, Liverpool City Centre, which will be hosted by Radio City 2's very own Claire Simmo. With a drinks reception on arrival, there will be a delicious 3 course meal to enjoy whilst watching a variety of performances as the room changes from a Blank Canvas to a a masterpiece of colour, as well as a live auction on the night. Tickets are available to purchase from MD Productions for ₤60 per person or ₤600 for a table of 10.

Alongside the Blank Canvas Gala Dinner MD Productions staff team, parents and young people have created a range of fund raising activities that will be hosted up to December for everyone to be involved in as well as a selection of sponsor packages. If you would like to become involved in, support or sponsor MD CIC fundraising campaign for the Blank Canvas Project you can contact them via:- zoe@mdproductionsltd.com.

Emma walks 'Culture Crawl' in memory of her Mum

ON 28 September, Emma Scott from Birkenhead, will be taking part in Maggie's Culture Crawl Liverpool to raise funds for Maggie's Merseyside, who supported both her and her Mum whilst she was undergoing cancer treatment. Culture Crawl is a sponsored walk for the cancer support centre, located next to The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre, which provides free psychological and emotional support to people with cancer and their family and friends.

Emma said:- "I am doing this as I lost my mum a year ago who battled cancer for 18 months and was treated at Clatterbridge. She showed so much strength and never lost her smile. Me and Mum used to come to Maggie's to get away from the routine of scans, results and waiting during treatment. Mum and me had so much for support from Maggie's and I can't thank them enough. So I am giving back to the centre who gave us so much support."

If you or someone you care about is diagnosed with cancer, Maggie's can help. Maggie's is a warm, welcoming place to meet people who are experiencing the same things you are, find support groups specific to your needs and get advice and information from our professional staff. Our support has been shown to significantly reduce anxiety and depression, you don't need an appointment and all our support is free.

Maggie's is a charity, and so events like Culture Crawl are important to raise money for the centre. The event gives participants a chance to see the City of Liverpool in a new light as they walk 10km and get exclusive night time access to some of the City's cultural icons. Venues confirmed for this years walk include Liverpool Town Hall, Dot Art Gallery, Liverpool Cathedral, Victoria Museum and Gallery and the Western Approaches Museum. During the walk there will be a moment of reflection to remember and celebrate loved ones.

All of the money raised through Culture Crawl will help Maggie's Merseyside continue to provide professional support to all those that need it across the Region. Registration for the event is ₤20 and participants are asked to aim to raise ₤50.   All Maggie's Culture Crawl walkers will get a free t-shirt and a medal. Find out more and sign up now online.