'The Central Youth Theatre has brought so much to Wolverhampton'

I was a member of CYT for 11 years and subsequently returned on several occasions to support various projects. It is almost impossible to put into words the impact that this involvement has had (and continues to have) on my life because it is such an intrinsic part of who I am today. As well as skills in acting, directing and writing, I gained valuable experience in event management, and marketing and an appreciation for the arts on a local and national stage.

CYT gave me confidence, skills, friends for life and my first step onto a competitive career ladder. The fact that we are now fighting for survival is completely heart breaking.

There are a lot of facts and statistics out there that can prove how much Central Youth Theatre has brought to Wolverhampton and its young people over the years. But the devastating cuts that the arts in Wolverhampton are facing risks losing so much more. There are certain things you can't measure.

I hope you've been struck by the number of former members who have shared their story and how we speak of ourselves as one community. Whether a young person is a member for eleven years or six months, they are drawn into a huge and supportive network – exactly what we all need in hard times.

I mentioned that I am proud to be from Wolverhampton. I grew up in Whitmore Reans, a stone's throw from the threatened Newhampton Arts Centre where Central Youth Theatre has been based for many years. My involvement in CYT gave me affection for, and pride in, my local area that was not always to be found elsewhere. CYT is proud to represent Wolverhampton, both locally and internationally.

This is an organisation that has children volunteering their time to speak to local older people about their memories, or spending their weekends at the Wolverhampton Archives researching the city's fascinating history. How much do you know about the surprising history of the Sunbeam Bicycle, manufactured in Wolverhampton, the story of the city as a Northern Soul destination, or the experiences that local people went through during World War II? These are things you don't learn about in school but, thanks to CYT, I know a lot about.

CYT does an incredible job with a very small budget. It is completely inclusive – children and young people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities, come together for a shared aim and become part of a community they will come to realise is truly unique.

It may be a cliché to say young people are the future, but when it comes to the arts in Wolverhampton and the future of the city as a whole, we cannot let them down. CYT should be at the heart of arts in the city so please help to create a permanent home!