Shekeila Scarlett is Chair of Trustees at Immediate Theatre, a charity that involves communities in making theatre that inspires wellbeing, breaks down barriers and engages people in the process of personal and social change. Shekeila tells us about her long history with Immediate Theatre, and about seeing the organisation from both sides – beneficiary, and board member.

What does your charity do?
Provides estate-based youth theatre.

What are the challenges your service users face, and how does your organisation help users overcome them?
Our service users face challenges such as a lack of access to the arts and, as people from working-class backgrounds, a general lack of opportunity. We engage people in the process of change, enable participation, explore social issues, improve employability and create pathways.

Do you have an inspirational story/moment about your work that you would like to share?
I went from being a service user at the Immediate Theatre to being the Chair of the Youth Board, and now I am chair of the organisation.

What kind of support are you in need of right now and how might volunteering fit into that?
My mission is simple – to bring the voices of the global majority: women and the young – to spaces and tables, where they deserve to be. As a part of my campaign to continue amplifying these voices, I would love to collaborate with organisations, community leaders, and advocates who are willing to join forces to enable change!