Southern Maltings SMYLE (Southern Maltings: Youth Led Events)
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The Pitch
Problem statement
Our research and surveys from local schools indicates a significant need for accessible, local, and safe social spaces for teens in Ware. Local projects focus on early years or retired. - Lack of Social Spaces: Teens in Ware lack local venues where they can meet friends and socialize. - Limited Access to Activities: There are few opportunities for young people to engage in group activities like music, cinema, or learning technical skills 3. related to music. - Desire for Inclusivity: Young people want a space where they can enjoy different activities without being judged. -Need for Local Solutions: Current options for music events and cinema require travel out of town, which is inconvenient
Solution
We want to provide a local, safe, and inclusive space for teens to socialize and participate in various activities at low cost. SMYLE Program Details S: Space & Snack - Offer space, a variety of snacks and a smoothie station. M: Music & Movies - Activity: Host a Silent Disco or have a Movie night, possibly outdoors Y: Youth Open Mic - Host an informal event for singing, dancing, comedy, etc. with option to learn how the technical backup works. L: Lights & Lounge - Create a relaxing lounge area with soft lighting and comfy seating to enable youth led ideas for activities E: Entertainment & Engagement - Youth led plan the next SMYLE event Costs = Venue+Equipment, supported by volu
Why are we best placed to deliver?
Southern Maltings is a Community Arts Venue and offers flexible space and a chance to be creative in a safe environment. Local and Convenient: Provides a local option for socializing and participating in activities. Inclusive Environment: Creates a safe space where teens are not judged and can explore various interests. Skill Development: Offers opportunities to learn new skills in music, drama, and technical areas. Community Engagement: Fosters a sense of community among young people in Ware. By implementing the SMYLE program, Southern Maltings can create a vibrant and supportive environment for its young people, addressing their needs for local social spaces and diverse activities.
Focus Areas
Delivery plan
Budget breakdown
| Equipment (headphones for silent disco) £200* 4 sessions, additonal equipment e.g. projector FOC, stock items | £800 |
| Venue Hire 4 hours @ £50 *12months 1 Friday session per month for 1 year pilot | £2,400 |
| 1 staff member each session 5hours*£15*12 month - assisted by 2 volunteers time (FOC) | £900 |
| For Open Mic/movie sessions 1*technician to operate sound desk or projector 4*£30*4 sessions | £480 |
| Cost price for snacks and smoothies £35 per session * 12 sessions | £420 |
Beneficiaries
250 people
Who will benefit
Expected impact
Benificiaries:- Young people by having a safe space to meet informally, learn new skills without judgement or just do "stuff" - Target to reach up to 50 young people at our sessions once established - Measure numbers and survey data to assess the impact of the sessions and the activity/venue etc - Families of young people knowing their teens are in a safe environment - Secondary benefit of young people enjoying the sessions and feeling more outgoing and independent. - young people making decisions and working together - this will be demonstrated by the group suggesting new activities - Measurable across the "free" session- Southern Maltings believes that our volunteers are the heart of our organisation, and this is demonstated by the numbers of young people (and others) volunteering with us - Measurable target - 10+new young volunteers giving up to 10 hours to the Maltings- Wider town by having more engaged young people, taking a pride in our space and the town they live in
Track record
We introduced early years stay and play in February working in partnershp with Hertfordshire County Council - between February and July we have hosted weekly sessions for 0-4 ages and had 401 children and 367 families. Following on the success we now host Craft Cafes from 0-7 each holiday. Feedback has been very positive from the professionals running session as they are reaching young families who are struggling and many isolated. We are central and can offer a space to met and a cafe to socialise We also have run Warm Spaces for the past 2 years initally focusing on the older generation and in 2024 offered free drinks/cake plus hot food over the winter months serving up to 20 people in our small cafe each week (we operated 1 day/week). We also offer Mini Maltings Masterclasses for those children starting school in 2025 to introduce learning in an small grouping on all the curriculum subjects. Our experience will be used to involve the teens in what they wish to do in the sessions.