Myplace: Multi-annual project support for major youth initiative
Because of our work:
- Projects achieved their targeted spend for the programme.
- Around 40 centres were able to improve their viability plans.
- At least 10 that would not have been viable were able to become so.
- Projects were introduced to a wider range of funding models, increasingly focused on asset transfer from councils to 3rd sector organisations. Our contract was extended because of our results.
myplace is a £280m programme delivering 60 £5m world-class youth centres across England. It aims to put young people at the heart of decision-making, change the media narrative around young people and provide services that meet their needs.
Stage one: leading a multi-disciplinary support team. We set up support team with experts from seven organisations. From the start, we supported 60 projects with: capital development; engaging with young people and; connecting with businesses. We encouraged learning by producing guides, one-to-one support and seminars.
Stage two: developing myplace.
- We delivered around 2,000 days of face-to-face customised support for projects.
- We also developed a dynamic to website and a resource bank of best practice in developing youth centres.
- We helped more than 30 councils develop youth capital strategies.
- We organised more than 50 networking events and provided expert help on topics that included theatre design, recording studios and climbing walls.
Stage three: creating viable projects More recently, our focus has been on helping the new centres become viable in a difficult financial climate. We provide in-depth checks and challenges to their business plans and practical help in securing funding from social enterprise, foundation and private sector business.
“The question is would we be where we are today, with this incredible will of all concerned to make things happen, if it were not for the information, advice, guidance and support that this project has had from the Support Team?
“The answer is almost certainly not.
“Thank you.”