The Out There Mobile Youth Space
The Mobile Youth Space is an innovative concept developed by the South West Community Foundation to address issues of social isolation and recreation for young people in the South West. Engagement of young people is a primary objective of the project. Youth problems in these areas are exacerbated by isolation, and lack of transportation and entertainment. The development of a dedicated youth space will increase opportunities for participation in recreational and social activities. Consequently, the project will have a positive impact on young people’s mental health, social, educational and sporting development.
The challenge for the provision of youth services in this region is to engage young people from a wide variety of areas and demographics. Therefore, the ‘mobile’ concept is particularly appropriate as it has the ability to reach a large audience. The Mobile Youth Space is a custom built fully equipped caravan facility. The van will give young people a much needed ‘sense of place’ by providing a space where they can meet and undertake a variety of supervised activities. The van is like Doctor Who’s Tardis converting from a colourful caravan into an amazing mobile youth space fully equipped to provide young people with opportunities to:
- Increase physical activity
- Provide positive social opportunities
- Provide access to positive adult role models
- Increase access to health education initiatives aimed at young people
- Reduce the isolation faced by young people in rural and remote communities
- Provide young people in regional areas with increased access to a Youth Space
Youth Workers will be available to work with individuals and groups. The focus of activity will be on small groups of young people getting together to use the equipment to play and produce music, experiment with different musical genres, put on live events, put on sporting events, run events, music sessions, personal esteem sessions, fun and adventure activities. Above all the emphasis is on fun, learning and interaction, and in doing so, the Mobile Youth Space will act as a catalyst to bring youth groups and youth workers together.
