Access Support

As an Access Support Worker, Lara works with artists and creative practitioners who identify as neurodivergent (including dyslexia, dyscalculia, and ADHD), as well as those with anxiety and other visible and invisible disabilities. She is committed to working at her client’s pace to ensure they submit an application they feel proud of.

Access Support Services can include:

1. Application Navigation and Accessibility

The role is highly flexible and customized to each applicant's specific needs, but it often involves direct assistance with the application platform. This includes supporting applicants who use screen readers that are not compatible with Grantium, a common technical barrier. Lara helps to bridge this gap, ensuring the application process is accessible. She also assists with submitting the application on Grantium, taking on the technical burden so the applicant can focus on the content. This includes guiding the applicant through the platform's interface, helping them navigate a potentially confusing system with ease.

2. Content and Idea Development

Lara works to help applicants translate their creative ideas into a compelling written format. She assists in processing complex application questions and forms, breaking down jargon and ensuring every query is fully understood. A key part of her role is taking notes and interpreting ideas to write up answers. This involves active listening and collaborative work, where Lara helps to structure and articulate the applicant's thoughts clearly and persuasively, ensuring their voice and vision are accurately represented in the final text.

3. External Support and Guidance

Beyond the application itself, Lara provides broader support to ensure the applicant has all the tools they need. This includes signposting other resources that may be beneficial, such as other funding opportunities, professional development programs, or relevant support networks. Additionally, she can ask questions on the applicant's behalf, acting as a liaison with the funding body to clarify requirements or address specific concerns, removing a potential source of stress for the applicant

Testimonials…

  • As a creative practitioner recently gone freelance, the art funding and grant application process can feel intimidating, especially when you aren’t privy to the language and framing of your work that will stack the odds in your favour amongst a competitive landscape. I attended one of Lara’s DYCP workshops and knew right away I could benefit further from her skillset and experience with the DYCP grant. Getting started with Lara was easy and our sessions together very productive and insightful. She understands how to position your ideas and objectives into a simple yet comprehensive framework for your DYCP application and really takes the most stressful parts of the application out of the picture so you can focus on what you’re trying to communicate.

    Jessica Sammut

  • Working with Lara on my DYCP grant application has been fantastic. Over two/three weeks we took the application from an initial idea into something that felt truly authentic to myself and the work I want to carry out. The whole process was so easy; I felt Lara listened to my ideas and opinions; likewise, I trusted her judgement on what direction to take. I’d have no hesitation in working with Lara again in future. Thank you so much! Chip Phillips

    Chip Phillips

  • Applications are usually a daunting process for me, but together Lara and I created a system that made it really fulfilling and fun. I would speak the answers out loud to Lara who then scribed for me. This process led me to formulate my answers more deeply. I would then edit the final version myself. Lara also gave me support with the scheduling and budgeting elements of the application, as I can experience anxiety with these tasks due to my dyslexia. I am chuffed to say I was awarded the funding I applied for! And I continue to work with Lara as part of the funded project as she is a key and cherished collaborator. Robyn Wilton

    Robyn Wilton

  • Lara's knowledge and understanding of the Develop Your Own Creative Practice application was invaluable. Her support and guidance on my application, from clarifying the goals and timeline of my project to budgeting correctly, were instrumental in my success and securing the funding. I am so grateful for her constructive insight and time. I don't think I would have got it without her!

    Magdalena Moursy

  • Working with Lara was an absolute joy. Having always felt daunted by the application process alone, she made the entire process manageable and stress-free. I felt so relaxed knowing she had all bases covered to the highest standard. She is perceptive and takes the time to get to know the project inside out, giving you the best possible chance of a successful bid. What she provides is a full service. Often when I asked about a technicality she showed that she had already included it within the application. Her responses were very reliable and timely, she is a wonderful person who genuinely does everything possible to get your bid through. I could not recommend Lara highly enough.

    Rosa Brentall

  • I have always found the process of applying for funding both daunting, and confusing. Being on the spectrum, I have always struggled reaching out for help, and communicating my thoughts both verbally and in written format. Lara Monro was very patient and helpful, and walked me through step by step in applying for a DYCP grant. Without her help, I would have struggled with keeping my wording concise, and succinctly describing what my aims and ambitions were. She also helped with organising a timetable, and budget plan, which I struggled to do on my own. Prior to my sessions with Lara, I felt unsure about applying to funding opportunities, however, I now feel more confident in myself, that I can do it.

    Abi Ola

  • Since being diagnosed with dyslexia as a teenager I have been terrified by funding applications. Lara with her access support changed that overnight. Direct, really instructive and insightful, Lara guided me through my DYCP application helping not just with the application process itself but to shape my application so that it clearly articulated my ideas and strengthened my argument. She is now the first person I call for every funding application.

    Katherine Templar-Lewis

  • Lara was incredibly detailed and attentive in the support she gave me. She has an in-depth understanding of Arts Council submissions and working with her made a huge difference to my application.

    Dorothy Allen-Pickard

  • Lara made the entire application process feel manageable and less daunting. Her patience and positivity made me feel encouraged to see a vision for my project. I am filled with gratitude for this process. I would recommend Lara to anyone looking to apply for an Arts Council grant or any other!

    Jay Coward

  • I had the opportunity to collaborate with Lara Monro while she assisted me in preparing a DYCP funding application for the LCKDN20 project. Lara's professionalism, meticulous attention to detail, and invaluable guidance were crucial in crafting a persuasive submission. Her dedication and expertise in helping to shape this important funding application are truly commendable.

    Giacomo Mantovani

  • It was a great support to have Lara help me with a Jerwood Arts residency application. Application writing is such a barrier for me because of my dyslexia but with Lara’s guidance and professional experience I actually enjoyed the process! Lara’s attention to detail and focused understanding of the arts sector meant my ideas were clearly and accurately communicated. Thank you!

    Juliet Kolttrup

  • I would never have been able to write my DYCP application grant without Lara’s help and support as the process was so daunting for me. She is very knowledgeable and gave me practical and hands-on advice on budgeting and scheduling to help my project take shape, weeks after weeks until the final edit. Lara’s guidance and written skills have allowed me to write more concisely and clearly and I hope to work with her again soon!

    Ingrid Berthon-Moine

  • Working with Lara on a National Lottery Project Grant was a really useful experience. As someone who has been diagnosed with ADHD and generally has difficulties with writing it was great to work with someone who is so brilliant in formulating what I wanted to say into structured, coherent bits of copy. Lara also supported our application in researching community organisations to potentially connect with as part of the project as well as suggesting artists to connect with. I look forward to working together again!

    Green Lens Studio

  • A fountain of knowledge at every step of the way. Lara’s extensive understanding of the process and criteria, enthusiasm for my project, and general calmness turned a daunting DYCP application into something simple and straightforward. I would heavily recommend working with Lara - I definitely will try to in the future!

    Ryan Loftus

  • I have thoroughly enjoyed my time working with Lara on my Arts Council funding application. Lara’s excellent communication skills, enthusiasm, subject expertise and patience have made a process which I would normally associate with major anxiety, a smooth and pleasant experience. She has ensured that I felt comfortable sharing my thoughts and have provided me with a clear guidance regarding all aspects of the application process, making it more manageable. Lara took her time to understand myself, my artistic practice and the scope of the project we’ve been working on. I have felt seen and supported throughout. When working together, there was a real sense of creative flow, which I hope to share again with Lara in the future.

    Kalina Pulit

  • Lara has helped us tremendously with not only the content and detail in our Arts Council applications but giving us confidence in the concepts and mission behind our work. She has a unique ability to motivate with a very gentle push that has given us some of the boosts we have needed when knee-deep in writing! She also uses her extensive network to provide introductions to collaborators and partners who have helped bolster our applications and provide a mutually beneficial exchange for everyone involved. We know these introductions will be beneficial far beyond the grant application. Lara’s communication is always extremely clear, timely and reliable and we really see her as a huge support to driving our creative work forward.

    Kinda Studios

  • Having tried to apply for funding many times and giving up, this was the first time I have had the confidence to actually see it through to the end. Lara was incredibly collaborative and supportive in helping me to compose and present my ideas in a clear and comprehensive way. She is incredibly knowledgeable of the process and helped me to edit down my waffle into a really precise and strong application.

    Elle Flows

  • I have never had help or support before on funding applications and therefore have many times given up or failed to produce the right type of successful application. My dyslexia is particularly pronounced with stressful formal writing so it was with great trepidation I agreed to let Lara guide me with the R&D application. But with her endless patience and positive attitude and careful explanations it was actually pretty painless and at times even creative and dare I say enjoyable.

    Melanie Thompson

  • Lara supported me throughout my funding application for the Arts Council’s DYCP grant. Being dyslexic, Lara helped me to clarify my ideas and hugely strengthen my application overall. She worked with me, listening to my thoughts, and was patient with me whilst discussing all the different aspects of the application process. She was more than helpful in any concern I had and I am so happy I decided to go forward with her as my access support, it was lovely working with her.

    Chloe Henson

  • Lara was incredibly professional in her online video interactions with me.  She has good knowledge of what is needed in answering the funding application answers and can successfully 'write live' whilst simultaneously communicating.  I am happy to be working with Lara again on a larger application to secure funds for a touring show.

    Lisa Watts

  • I reached out to Lara after struggling over an NLPG application idea for a year. I have my own support worker but applying to the arts council, digesting all the reading material and knowing the appropriate formats has always been challenging as a neurodiverse person. Being working class with a chronic illness also limited my time and I took the plunge to ask for help after seeing Lara’s profile on Creative Lives in Progress.  After my initial call with Lara I knew she was the one to go with! She understood the difficulties i’d been having and saw my vision for the project. Working together through the budget and timeline was a particular eye opening experience - despite managing projects before I’d never paid myself fairly or put aside enough time, factoring in the fact that illness and neurodivergence impacts my time too. It was so great to be seen and have someone to back me up against my own imposter syndrome.  The whole experience was the easiest i’ve ever found applying for a grant. Lara removed all the stress, broke down what each question was asking clearly, and pointed out how my project actually ticked more boxes than I initially thought. It was amazing to have someone see my vision and break it down in a way that was manageable for me and clear for Arts Council.  I really recommend Lara and how to work with her again in the future!

    Lu Williams (Grrl Zine Fair)