This National Volunteer Week, we are celebrating the incredible volunteers who help make our Tutti Frutti Club such a special place for children across Leeds.
We are delighted to recognise Tianyue Gai, who joined us through the University of Leeds Student Volunteering Programme. Since February 2026, Tianyue has been volunteering as a Workshop Assistant at our Tutti Frutti Club at Hovingham Primary School.
Each week, Tianyue spends two hours supporting 20–25 primary school children, helping to co-lead creative workshops alongside our lead artists.
Tutti Frutti Club is a free creative arts club for primary-aged children, giving the children opportunities to experience a wide range of art forms while developing self-expression, self-esteem, aspirations, teamwork, and confidence in their own creative abilities.
Reflecting on her experience, Tianyue said:
🗨️The children don’t care about your accent or if you use the wrong word. They just care if you’re kind and if you’re willing to play with them.
A huge thank you to our funders – the Victoria Wood Foundation, The Arts Society, and Didymus – whose support makes this work possible. As we look to secure future funding and continue providing these valuable opportunities for children, we’d love to hear from organisations interested in supporting the club.