An 11-year-old performs at Ulster Hall to support Sólás, a charity aiding young people with extra needs and their families.
Sólás runs many helpful programs, offering early help, after-school clubs, homework clubs, and counseling. Demand has grown significantly, necessitating a new building for them, as their current headquarters sit on Ormeau Road.
They hoped for a grant from the city, requesting £800,000. Initially, they received only £24,744, leaving a £492,000 gap in funding, which they are addressing by raising money through a GoFundMe campaign.
Violet Allen, age 11 from the Castlereagh area, will perform in the Ulster Hall event called “An Evening of Music,” supporting the Sólás charity.
Violet’s family is closely connected to Sólás, as her brother Jacob, 10, attends regularly. He started in the summer program in 2020, and now receives support weekly including on Saturdays.
Jacob’s mom, Lynsey, explained that other clubs couldn’t meet his needs, leading to Jacob’s increased quietness and reduced communication. However, after joining Sólás, particularly that first summer, he emerged from his shell.
Violet joined the siblings group afterward. She will sing with the group at Ulster Hall. Lynsey also frequents the center, spending time with other parents who care for children on the spectrum.
Lynsey describes Sólás as a lifeline for her and her husband Chris. Helping Jacob find his place proved challenging. Further, she mentioned the charity’s immense help, which includes support for her feelings as a parent.
As a young carer for her brother, Sólás has been invaluable for Violet. She has met others like her at Sólás, learned more about Jacob’s perspective, and now advocates for him at school, and this concert helps Sólás build a new facility for more children.
India Chapman-Webb, a Sólás parent, organized the event, stating that music is her life and she wanted to share it while supporting Sólás. She also performs regularly with NI Opera.
The concert boasts diverse performers, including a youth orchestra. Other groups include Hard Rain, M’ANAM, and The Ulster Consort. Northern Ireland Opera will perform, along with Sólás kids singing a new song, and hosted by charity supporter Noel Thompson.