Creating a safe space for young people
Funding awarded - £2,500
Architect and ground surveys
10 young people planned and ran an Easter Family Event
AT A GLANCE:
Working with young people to build a safe space (portakabin) where they can meet, socialise, take ownership and engage with others.
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WHY WAS THE PURPOSE?
Inspired by a successful youth project (CATCH), Thrive are working with young people to build a safe space where they can meet, take ownership and engage with others. This safe space will be specifically dedicated to young people's use, for them to relax and socialise. Young people will be involved in every stage of the process, developing skills and attributes leading to new opportunities and building on connections.
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WHAT DID IT DO?
This grant was a real catalyst for us to get this project started. It was encouraging to the young people and team that a local organisation 'got it' and was excited about what we were excited about. The grant helped us appoint an architect, complete some initial assessments and begin the journey of placing a building dedicated to the use of young people.
There was some money left over to give the young leaders to run their first community event which brought people together and gave an opportunity for young people to share their skills and lead community.
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WHAT DIFFERENCE DID IT MAKE?
Young people are starting to develop skills and attributes leading to new opportunities and building on connections.
"we are re-imagining what youth work in our community can look like, which builds on those connections and creates opportunities for young people to see that they are important and can make a difference in their local area."
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"Learning, planning, dreaming, reflecting, enjoying, surprising, laughing, hoping, connecting, encouraging, empowering, playing. Thank you Hey Neighbour!”
DID THE GRANT PAY FOR?
The grant paid for the costs of an Architect and topographical surveys (€2000) needed in the area where the portakabin will be placed. 2500 was used to fund a 'Fun Day' for families led by 10 of the young people (refreshments and equipment costs). 100 people attended.
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NEXT STEPS
To continue to raise funds for the portakabin and hopefully have this in place by the end of 2022. To continue to involve young people in the planning of the project. To hold other events led by and involving the young people. To develop a unique volunteer development programme, supporting young people to make a positive difference in the community.
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WHAT DID YOU LEARN?
Actively involving young people in planning of projects gives a different and valuable perspective. There is a need to have flexiibility and openess to new ideas - leaving space for others to contribute. Building on existing connections and relationships with people can help e.g. taking a whole family approach. Working in partnership brings benefits - enables you to see whats out here and identify who is doing similar work. and where you can add value - and who you could involve.
"Small amounts of funding can get you started on a big project. It was great that Hey Neighbour wanted to hear our idea. They wanted to back our idea."
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BEING A GOOD NEIGHBOUR MEANS:
"Seeing ourselves as part of a community, beyond our own families and that we can make that better and contribute. Connecting and having conversations with those who are around us, that builds relationships and means we are looking out for one another. Receiving care from someone else and learning to trust one another and be challenged when we get things wrong, or in how we see things. Being open to others and all that that brings. "