FEELS LIKE HOPE - AEE documentary directed by Tom Dream

We are proud to present 'FEELS LIKE HOPE'...Director Tom Dream (Ridley Scott Associates) collaborated with AEE on ‘Feels Like Hope’, a documentary short showcasing the charity’s transformative impact on young lives. The film features the experiences of three young people who have navigated systemic barriers, revealing the critical role creativity plays in youth development. For these individuals, AEE is more than just an educational opportunity; it is a lifeline. Youth services across England have suffered severe funding cuts, slashed by 73% since 2010 (YMCA, 2024), leaving countless children without support. In 2023/24, 100,000 children were reported missing from education, with many facing challenges such as special educational needs and socio-economic barriers. AEE directly addressed this gap, working with 137 young people over the last year-60% of whom were not in mainstream education and 75% of whom identified as having special educational needs. We're now appealing to the community, potential donors, and funding bodies to help raise £35,000 for rent and utilities for two years, which would allow the charity to focus on securing funding for staff salaries and programme costs.