Providing a safe, engaging and affordable space for young people is and will always be a positive catalyst for social change. Yet sadly due to lack of access to a creative space, guidance and resources, many young people do not get a chance to explore what is it that they like and thrive at.
With our KABOOM youth space and programme we seek to reach out to those who don’t normally have a platform for the development of their creativity and activity beyond the realm of school, and provide an engaging and elevatory experience which can be a springboard for improved mental health, perspective, social skills and creative outlook.
Stonehouse is one of the most deprived areas in the country and currently has very little on offer for young people. At the same time, across the UK in general, funding for many years has slid away from the youth sector leading to loss of many hundreds of youth centre's and youth workers. The results of this are clear to see in any community - we can surely do better!
We would like the youth space to be affordable & beyond this initial crowdfunding springboard not funding dependent. Crucially the young people will have a voice in how they want the youth space to be and what activities they would like to take place.
Between the two of us (Matt & Maria), as teachers, workshop facilitators and educators we have a combined experience of over 30 years working in schools, music & arts camps, music programmes, active education and festivals. We will also be connecting with other relevant organisations and people in the area to maximise the potential of the project.
We have been based in Leadworks on Rendle Street now for 18 months and have grown to the point where we have taken on a much larger studio space enabling us to take on this exciting new project for young people that is very much needed in the area.
The funds will be used to help sound proof the new room, this will mean that we can easily co -exist with the other tenants in Leadworks. It will also be used for room decoration, games and materials for the young people and funds to provide special workshops and guests.
Initially we aim for the space to provide two weekly sessions for two different age groups and then if there is potential grow from there.
Post pandemic we were lucky enough to travel and deliver workshops to many young people in different parts of the country, this provided us with the experience of seeing some excellent models of youth centre's and project delivery. This experience is very much at the heart of our project.
Without a doubt the young people of Stonehouse & Plymouth itself will benefit massively from this kind of space. You can be sure your donation to the project will have a great impact on the individuals involved & the community in general.
Thanks for your time!
Matt Kemp & Maria Moreno (Kaboom)
Kaboom Webpages
Testimonials:
"Fantastic week of workshops. Brought us all together with fun & music”
"…you do extraordinary and unusual things in a very supported way. Lots of laughs, jokes and great leadership”
"The Workshops are ace! You are encouraged to express yourself in a non-judgemental environment”
"Loads of fun and laughing! A magical weekend!”
"We had a lot of fun doing a body percussion workshop with Matt and Maria. It was accessible to the whole group and provided a great opportunity for expression. An evening of energy, rhythm and laughter”
"They managed to engage some young people who often do not wish to engage with facilitated activities, and kept them hooked on the session right until the end. Furthermore, the use of rhythm and music encouraged young people to open up within the session to the Youth Team as well. Their demeanour and the way the work is perfect for youth groups”
"Sensational & Inspirational”