Trinity helps students get ahead

Trinity and AXA PPP provide helping hand

Two budding arts undergraduates have spoken about their first forays into university education after securing funds from a partnership between AXA PPP healthcare and Tunbridge Wells’s Trinity Theatre last year.

Following an application and shortlisting process, Monica Young and Hazel Low, former pupils of Bennet Memorial and Mascalls School respectively, each secured £500 from the Trinity Bursary scheme, which seeks to assist with the financial burden of studying the arts in order to support and nurture local talent.

Monica, aged 19, from Pembury, now a Theatre Arts course student at East 15 Acting School, said: ‘This bursary has allowed me to not only travel and see more theatre but to purchase more plays and actors’ journals to help broaden my understanding and knowledge for my course and my auditions! It has been extremely beneficial and I don't know what I would have done without it!’

Hazel, aged 19, from Brenchley, studying Theatre Design and Scenic Arts at Wimbledon College of Arts, said: ‘Receiving the bursary from Trinity is amazing.’ She continued, ‘It grants me more freedom on the course, such as trips, materials, and experiences I may have otherwise lost out on.’

Hazel benefits greatly from receiving this grant, as she requires many tools and expensive equipment on her course. It also assists with travel expenses that, as studying in London, are considerable.

Bethan Minter, youth engagement manager, at Trinity said: ‘Studying Arts in higher education can be expensive due to the extra kit and tools required for these courses. Enabling young people to pursue further training in the arts is essential to support the future of the artistic industries. We are thrilled to be able to support Hazel and Monica and other young artists, to give the artist of the future a helping hand.’

Cath Brunger, AXA PPP healthcare’s education manager, added: ‘We are committed to enriching the community around us through community and youth engagement and broadening the career horizons for young people.’

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