New youth project on Broadway
A new project for young people has started on Filwood Broadway – bringing music, art and graffiti to the local youth.
Streetscape Knowle first opened its doors in January on the site of the former One Stop Job Shop providing a hub out in the community where young people can “hang out and have fun”.
Lead Youth Worker Richard Martin started the project after talking to local young people in the community who wanted somewhere to go in the evenings.
After successfully applying for funding he opened the building on Monday nights – which he plans to fully renovate to create a “multi-use space.”
He says: “We’ve met around 50 young people since January and we’ve got between 20-23 regularly every week. … The overriding value this place is founded on is its availability to young people to become whatever they want it to become.
“We are not trying to prescribe stuff to the area and they have been part of the consultation…”
The young people have also been out into the community – working with graffiti artist Nick Halahanthey have decorated the wall of Lee Abbey in Filwood Broadway, the Streetspace shutters and also took part in ParkFest in April.
Richard plans to increase sessions at Streetspace to open Tuesday nights as well. He also wants to start a Life Recovery Group for addicts on Thursday nights and a Young Father’s group for 16-25s on Fridays during the day.
He explains: “The idea is to make this work five days a week with open access in the evenings…and detached youth work in the area four nights a week.
“I think being here on the Broadway is highly visible – I don’t think there’s another youth club that is so visible at the moment and it’s just grown.”
Streetspace currently runs from 5-7pm Monday nights for 10-13s and 7.30-9.30pm for 14 plus. To join pop in, look on Streetspace Knowle Facebook page, Snapchat, email streetspaceknowle@gmail.com or ring Richard on 0748 323 2869.
