WE ALL know the arts are good for children.

Whether it’s music, movement, theatre or making things, all these have been shown to give young people confidence and a way in which to express themselves.

Huddersfield-based charity, Caritas understand all of that, which is why its team is gearing up to run another summer workshop.

This is where children and young people get to spend a day with arts experts having fun and by the end of the day, putting on their own performance.

The venue is Moldgreen United Reform Church, the date is Monday July 30 and what’s on offer is a dance, drama and music workshop.

The tutors will be David and Jacky Fletcher who are renowned for their high quality work in the Dewsbury area, particularly with Dewsbury Arts Group.

The workshop is open for youngsters aged from eight to 18 with registration from noon and the session itself getting underway at 1pm.

There are about 25 places and at the end of the afternoon, there will be a short performance so that family and friends can see what the children have been doing.

Members of RejoySing, the group of young singers run by Caritas will be dropping in to sing.

RejoySing meet every Thursday at the same venue as the workshop and sing a wide range of music, everything from show music, specially written pieces and modern music.

“They did the Mrs Sunderland music festival this year,” said Gordon Balmforth, one of the four founding members of Caritas who all have extensive experience working with choirs and musical theatre companies as performers, choreographers and musical directors.

“They have even been singing in Latin. They weren’t sure about it at first but now they don’t bother,” he said.

“They’ve got quite a big repertoire now and nothing fazes them.”

It may be that this month’s workshop may just give other youngsters a taste for music and drama.

“If they are interested in doing more music theatre, we may be able to take that forward on a more regular basis,” said Pat Graham, another of the team’s co-founders.

The workshops have become an annual part of the Caritas diary and give children a taster of performance work.

The workshop session costs £3.50 including tea and must be booked in advance via Gordon on 01484 510149 or Pat on 01484 357482.

Caritas was founded by musical colleagues and friends Gordon, Pat, Alan Bradford and Elaine Cockram.

Their aim in forming Caritas was to use their music and theatre talents to raise money to help some of the more vulnerable, less able people in society.

They help those with long-term medical conditions and their carers by offering to do the weekly shopping, decorating or gardening. They also take individuals or groups of vulnerable people on outings.

For more details go to the website:www.caritasuk.com