SPACE Youth Services celebrates it’s 5th birthday

Jan 28

What our CEO says:

“Space started as a novice charity, treading new ground, learning, making mistakes and reframing new partnerships. Over these first five years we have matured into trusted partners, are seen as 'can do' deliverers of services with young people and their communities and we have contributed significantly to wider strategic agendas that impact on Devon's young people.

We employ more young people and staff with lived experience, have continued being a superb, compassionate employer which sets high standards and we are known for taking measured risks to achieve our vision.

I'm immensely proud of how we're open to constructive criticism, are always seeking to learn more and continue to go the extra mile.

The staff group of paid and voluntary colleagues, including our Trustees and Governors make Space easy to lead.”

A few achievements in the last 5 years⭐

In 2017 and 2020 we successfully gained the contract to deliver Devon’s Youth Service
We’ve increased our membership in 5 years to nearly 5,000 young people across Devon
Young people have distributed £500,000 to over 60 voluntary sector youth groups through our small grants fund
We delivered food parcels to 664 families in 45 towns across Devon
Chances School received a ‘Good’ rating from Ofsted and average 65 students per year
We have constantly grown as an organisation with more staff members every year!

What our Staff say:

Two of our Staff, Caroline (Community Support Services Lead) and Matt (Senior Youth Support Worker) took the time to reflect on their own experiences over the past 5 years working with SPACE Youth Services. Watch Below.

We have created services to meet young people’s needs

Young people’s needs fluctuate up and down through life’s successes and challenges. We have provided a continuum of services and interventions aimed at being agile enough to flex as young people’s needs change and evolve.

Social Prescribing - Community Connectors
Open Access Youth Clubs
Targeted 1-1 Support
Chances Educational Support Services
Online Youth Club (Discord)
Educational Support Services
Street-based youth work
Targeted group support: SEND & LGBTQ+
DofE
Digital & Creative Hubs
Community support

We have been collaborative

Devon & Cornwall Police and OPCC

Deliver youth outreach as part of the OPCC’s Serious Violence Prevention Programme

Devon County Council

We work closely with DCC and Children’s services, the communities team and public health to ensure joined up approaches and services for young people.

Youth Work in Devon Partnership

Made up of over 50 youth groups from across Devon, bringing people together to form networks to share practice, run events, get guidance directly from NYA and access volunteer training.

Peer Action Collective

We recruited 3 young people (Peer Researchers) to the Youth Endowment Fund project (in partnership with Young Devon, Young Gloucestershire and Bristol’s Youth Moves), which runs for 18 months analysing youth violence experiences.

Centre for Youth Impact

We lead on the South West regional forum for youth impact. A collective of 80 organisations that work with young people and come together to discuss impacts for young people.

Moving forward to the next 5 years

In a community as large and diverse as Devon, we will continue to aim to provide our services dynamically in three main ways - building bases, street based and digitally. This way, we will continue to drive our vision of unlocking potential with as many young people and their communities, as possible.

We will reach more young people and their communities across Devon (and beyond) by;

Always starting with the young person, wherever they are
Expanding the range of opportunities and scope of services for young people
Sharing knowledge & Understanding

We will always be an outstanding, values-driven organisation, by;

Creating leaders of the future

Working collaboratively with others

Ensuring we are sustainable and resilient

We will advocate for a sustainable world, by

Reducing inequality and challenging oppression
Delivering social, environmental and political education
Minimising our impact on the environment

Read our impact report for 2020-21

Help us to unlock more potential

Any support will be truly valued by SPACE and will be used to ensure maximum impact for young people in Devon and their communities.

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