There was a full house at More Music on Friday 6 December as people gathered for Chameleon II, a brilliant, youth-led charity cabaret night. The event showcased the talent of local young people and starred an excellent line up of musicians, bands, singers, dancers, poets, film-makers and a mind reader.

The importance of the arts and their capacity for building confidence and resilience was at the heart of the evening. The event shone a much -needed positive spotlight on young people celebrating the personal, social and creative achievements not only of performers but also of Team Chameleon who were responsible for co-ordinating and producing this extraordinary event.

Now in its second year the group has grown in number, bringing together young participants from More Music, the Prop Up Project, Lancashire Youth Challenge and Lancaster and Morecambe Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service.  Since September the planning team have been meeting regularly and making friends while developing project planning, communication and organisational skills. They have learned to work together as a team, sharing ideas while learning about finance, budgeting, marketing and publicity as well as gaining an insight into the technical side of event management. Team Chameleon has also explored the challenges that young people face in their everyday lives and how to develop coping strategies through creative activities.

The youth led annual event was a great success, raising more than £400 for the local charities involved in supporting young people. Chameleon not only celebrated the incredible talents of young performers and producers but also their ability to use creative arts to strengthen their emotional resilience, to overcome difficulties and to help them bounce back from life’s challenges.

Sam Duckles, Lancashire Youth Challenge Support Worker said

‘on the night I felt that so many of our performers showed resilience in overcoming the anxieties of performing by pushing themselves to do something that they were not all completely comfortable doing. There were a lot of nerves in that Green Room with some people thinking that they were not going to be able to do it. Everyone overcame those nerves and anxieties and performed excellently.’

Keeley Wilkinson from the Prop Up Project commented ‘ the event itself highlighted the young people’s resilience; to overcome challenges and to continue. This showcases the importance of the work of our local organisations in supporting young people’s well being and giving them an opportunity to challenge themselves positively’

The partnership organisations are committed to the belief that young people, with the right support and opportunity, have the strength and energy to overcome adversity and to achieve success. Supported safe and creative spaces are vital for young people to build their self belief, their confidence and skills, to establish positive relationships and approaches to life that can support them in turbulent times. Additionally, celebratory events such as Chameleon that openly address and discuss mental health issues can help reduce the stigma experienced by so many young people.