Totnes Trust – Youth Projects Update
Earlier this year, Totnes Trust invited young people to submit proposals for youth-led community projects that would make a positive difference in Totnes and the surrounding area.
We are delighted to share that we have now awarded funding to the following projects:
- Totnes Youth Assembly
Project Group: Brad Barrass, Callum Cartwright, Izzy Barrett and Hebe Pearson-Link
Funding awarded: £1,976
The Totnes Youth Assembly aims to create opportunities for young people aged 16–30 to play an active role in shaping their community and ensuring their voices are heard.
As part of the project, a Creative Consultation will take place in July at Contact Darkroom in Bridgetown, followed by a Youth Assembly in August. Through a combination of creativity, play, art and participatory democracy, the project will explore what young people value about Totnes, what they hope for its future, and how they would like to contribute to building a thriving and inclusive community.
‘We are grateful for the generosity of Totnes Trust. We have been funded not only to cover the material costs of the events, but to also offer remuneration to young people to organise and facilitate these events. This is a project by Totnes youth, for Totnes youth!’
- Morley Consort Group
Project Group – Madison Marshall, Jude Chandler, Sophia Mücke, and Tess Roberts.
Funding Awarded: £400
The Morley Consort Group is a young early music ensemble specialising in the performance and research of sixteenth- and seventeenth-century music. As part of the 2026 Totnes Heritage Festival in September, the group is planning two free events for Totnes residents at the historic Guildhall.
The first event will be an afternoon workshop exploring historical instrument-making techniques and performance practices of the period. Participants will have the opportunity to learn about the instruments and enjoy a hands-on experience by getting up close to those used by the ensemble. The second event will be an evening concert that tells the story of Devon through music, interwoven with excerpts from first-hand historical accounts.
“The £400 grant has enabled us to spend valuable time together developing the programme and rehearsing the music for both the workshop and concert. We are excited to be performing music that reflects the period of the Guildhall itself. With relatively few concerts taking place in this historic venue in recent years, we hope to introduce new audiences to this wonderful local building.
“Taking part in the Totnes Heritage Festival is an incredible opportunity for us to gain live performance experience as a young group, connect with new audiences, and raise the profile of our ensemble so that we can continue to present similar events locally in the future.”
- Youth Spirit Yoga
Project lead: Callum Cartwright
Funding Awarded: £225
Young Spirit Yoga was inspired by conversations Callum had with young people in Totnes. Through talking with young people, he recognised a real need for a relaxed, welcoming space where 18–25-year-olds could come together, connect and take part in an embodied yoga practice.
Thanks to funding from Totnes Trust, Callum was able to purchase the equipment needed and secure a lovely venue upstairs at St John’s Church in Bridgetown.
Reflecting on the project so far, Callum says:
“As I write this, I’ve held three classes, and my love for teaching grows with each one. It’s been wonderful to see more and more people discovering the sessions and joining in. I’m excited to continue growing as a teacher and can’t wait to see the positive impact that taking time out from the craziness of everyday life to become still, grounded and centred can have on young people’s wellbeing.”
Do you have an idea for a Youth Led Community Project?
Totnes Trust is inviting young people to come forward with proposals for youth-led community projects that will make a positive difference in Totnes and the surrounding area. Youth-led projects are those in which young people take the lead in setting the goals, making decisions and organising the activities, while adults may act as mentors or facilitators providing support rather than direction. We believe that this approach helps develop confidence, leadership and real-world experience, and ensures that activities reflect what young people actually want and need in their community.
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