The principal activity of the Rock will be the provision of a youth facility at the (former) Church of St Peter, Cheltenham and its adjacent hall. From April 2010 this facility has been available to all young people regardless of background providing both formal and informal activities and opportunities to develop skills, education, welfare and spiritual wellbeing.
Donate to this charity
@ The Rock is a youth charity.
We work predominantly with children and young people living in a deprived area of Cheltenham, UK.
Cheltenham may be associated with affluence - think horse racing, spa town etc. but like everywhere else in the UK there are areas where people struggle on low incomes, live in social housing, and especially since Covid hit us, rely on Food banks. @ The Rock is situated in the heart of one of these communities.
We support local young people, and their families, by supplying all our activities at low cost. During the months of the Covid pandemic we've adapted our activities in accordance with guidance but continued this support. We've also worked with local partners to ensure families can access additional support through food banks, FeedCheltenham and other relevent provision.
During the day we provide educational support services for local schools. They refer young people with special educational needs to us. Some will be at risk of exclusion, some may already have been excluded from mainstream education.
We provide these students with a range of challenging positive activities, unconditional support, and a range of techniques to understand and handle their issues.
During the evening we run a range of groups.
Monday - afternoons. Elevate runs from 5.30 to 6.45pm. As of February 2025 it will take place at St Barnabus Church, Orchard Way, Cheltenham. We're moving from our space at Coronation Square because it's too small and look forward to welcoming young people in school years 6 to 9 for fun and games, snacks and support.
Monday evenings is Space 51 for school years 8 and above. A range of activities, games, sports, cooking (when permitted). A safe space to meet friends and have fun supported by our experienced youth workers and some wonderful volunteers. Each session includes a mid session talk on a topic of interest to young people e.g. inclusiveness, healthy relationships etc.
Tuesday evenings is Transition Night Tuesday for school years 5 - 7. A safe space where students in years 5 & 6 who are due to move to secondary school can meet students in year 7 who have already moved. Alongside the games, sports and other activities their mid session talks include topics relating to the move to secondary school, with tips and hints for a successful transition.
Wednesday evenings is Archery club. Due to local economic circumstances all the equipment and tuition required is provided. From bows, arrows and targets to balloons and hairbands, if needed we have it. Tuition from our team of instructors and even a volunteer coach from Cheltenham Archers. And if you get bored with popping balloons there's always the Upper Room to socialise in.
Thursday evenings is when we run FRESH, a new youth club which is a safe, fun and supportive space for young people locally who may not connect with other youth activities. For school years 7 to 11+.
It is a great mix of sports and creative activities with young people having their say on the activities.
During the school holidays things change - please see our website for details, follow us on Facebook or see our other social media streams.
