Weekly Youth Space
Since February, students from all six of the OX14 Learning Partnership Schools (John Mason, Fitzharrys, Radley, Abingdon, Larkmead, and St Helen and St Katharine) have had access to a newly created youth space, thanks to a collaboration between local wellbeing charity ‘The Abingdon Bridge’ and the OX14 Learning Partnership.
Aims
One of our core aims is to support the mental health and wellbeing of students from across our partnership. The creation of these sessions has provided students from all six of our partnership schools with a safe environment to meet, take part in activities and be part of a supportive community.
The aims are:
To provide a safe space for young people to socialise and have fun.
To combat loneliness support wellbeing.
To provide access to early interventions and expert support where needed.
Students aged 13- 18 will benefit from this space, it is open to all and an inclusive environment. The informal, drop in format allows young people to come when they need to. Local volunteers along with paid staff from The Abingdon Bridge will ensure the sessions are well supervised and support is available.
Background
Through various professional explorations, and from listening to the voices of local young people, it was clear there was a need for more open access youth space. Discussions between The Abingdon Bridge and members of the OX14 Learning Partnership helped develop the idea. The youth space now provides somewhere for young people to socialise and have access to early interventions, fun activities and supportive wellbeing sessions. The Space has been running as a pilot and open weekly since February. The next phase will see discussions around sustainability and impact.
Resources
The Youth Space is located at an off site school sport facility. They have use of a large room and outdoor football pitch. Sessions run on a Wednesday for two age groups using staff and volunteers from The Abingdon Bridge. School staff assist with the advertising of the sessions. The OX14 Learning Partnership and Abingdon School in Partnership assist with funding of the room and have provided funds for set up costs and resources.
Impact
An initial report has been provided which shows increasing numbers at weekly sessions and gives positive student feedback.
This initiative will offer many opportunities, and teach many skills, to a large number of young people, cementing our purpose to support and equip them with the necessary skills to overcome many of life’s challenges. Holly from The Abingdon Bridge, said “We really appreciate the enthusiasm and commitment of those that have been involved in the design and delivery of this very progressive open access intervention.”
One student said: “It’s such a fun space and really helps to have grown ups to talk to who aren’t your parents or teachers.”
We hope to see continued, sustainable attendance at the space.
Pupil Involvement
Pupils are aged between 13-18, we hope to see a greater mix of students from across all schools as the project develops.
Frequency
This is a weekly activity with 2 sessions for different age groups. The Pilot phase runs from February to April and we hope to continue after that.