A WEST Devon charity which gives people with a learning disability the opportunity to build confidence through acting, celebrated its tenth anniversary last week ? but faces an uncertain future. Get Changed Theatre Company held an anniversary party and disco in the Charter Hall, Okehampton, last Friday. The aim was to make more people aware of Get Changed?s work, see its members perform, and support the charity?s vital fundraising. Despite recent successful work with the Community Safety Partnership, group leaders fear the company may have to be wound up next year if additional funding cannot be found. The company, which works with adults with learning disabilities from Mid and West Devon, recently began working with police and the partnership to tackle the issue of bullying. Assisted by young people from Okehampton College, Get Changed developed a hard-hitting production about bullying and disability. Get Changed co-ordinator Vicky Hooper said: ?The production, Freak Boy, is played by adults with learning disabilities and team members, and actively involves large groups of Year 8 students who make decisions about what should happen to the ?bully?.? She said the production was successfully piloted in local secondary schools in West Devon and the South Hams last year, and was now in great demand. Sgt Jackie Page from Devon and Cornwall Police said: ?We have been very impressed with the Get Changed Theatre Company, and are delighted that they are about to celebrate ten years in existence. ?We hope to be able to fund more productions through the Community Safety Partnership to allow more schools to become involved in this important project.? Get Changed Theatre Company works hard on fundraising to sustain its weekly service and its projects. Financial support has come from many sources, including the Lloyds TSB Foundation, social services, Mencap and local grant-giving bodies. But securing funding has become increasingly difficult and Get Changed is struggling to continue operating. Miss Hooper said: ?Without further financial support, Get Changed faces closure in early 2006. ?The company members will suffer as many of them live in rural isolation and some receive no day service provision from social services. ?People across the county will lose out on a unique opportunity to gain a better understanding of the issues faced by those with a learning disability at a time when social services are encouraging learning disabled people to become more active members of the community.? Get Changed was formed in 1995 following the successful integration of people with a learning disability into a local community play. The group was initially based in Tavistock, but two years ago moved to their new home in Okehampton. Miss Hooper said: ?Over the years membership has increased from six to 18. It was soon evident that theatre was a great medium for the learning disabled members to improve personal development, confidence and self-esteem, make choices for themselves and speak up about issues that affected them personally.? LEFT: Celebration from Get Changed members at the tenth anniversary. Picture by Ian Snell