Network Ryde, a leading youth service dedicated to providing a safe and inclusive space for young people, has announced the launch of a crowdfunding campaign to kit-out its new youth centre located at St Thomas’ Church, Ryde, Isle of Wight.
Network Ryde aims to create an environment where young people feel comfortable and confident to express themselves while accessing opportunities, support, and guidance.
The new youth centre at St Thomas’ Church offers four times the usable space compared to Network Ryde’s current centre, allowing for expanded services and offerings to all young people on the Island.
Youth Investment Fund for capital works
Through successfully securing funding from the Youth Investment Fund for capital works, Network Ryde has transformed the space into an innovative youth centre.
The centre features confidential meeting rooms for youth workers and other agencies, a sensory room, a state-of-the-art kitchen, and increased capacity for young people.
However, Network Ryde now seeks community support to fully equip this remarkable space for the benefit of young people.
The funds raised through the crowdfunding campaign will be allocated towards the following essential areas:
1. Kitchen Upgrade (£2,200): Young people have asked for improved kitchen facilities to be able to hold cooking sessions which will allow them to be able to cook and eat together. We will also be able to bring produce that young people have grown from the allotment to the kitchen to cook with as well. By delivering cooking sessions it will help provide young people with life skills, as well as improving well-being by being able to share their skills with others. We need to equip the kitchen with utensils, crockery, white goods, and appliances.
2. Sensory and Wellbeing Room (£3,900): We would like to be able to provide an amazing sensory and wellbeing room for young people to use to help regulate themselves when things become overwhelming. We have looked at a package that is used within the NHS which includes a calming waterless bubble tube and base, wall projector and interactive colour change aroma machine with rocking seats as well. This will also support young people with additional needs who access our service.
3. IT Pods and Gaming (£6,200): We are creating 6 IT stations in some of the pew areas for young people to use for homework, job opportunities and for project use. The PCs have Deep Freeze software on to ensure passwords are not saved and appropriate safeguards in place. We are also setting up a gaming pod that is separate from the IT stations for more interactive gaming. This will allow young people to use the facilities when they might not have the option at home. Gaming can help build friendships and reduce social isolation.
4. Furnishings and Storage (£6,300): This is needed to provide furniture and soft furnishing throughout the youth centre, as well as storage for our Duke of Edinburgh’s Award equipment.
5. Outdoor and Sports (£1,400): We have a small outdoor space outside the front of the new centre so would like to provide some seating areas for young people as we know the benefits of being outside in nature has on wellbeing. We would also like to purchase a table tennis table and yoga mats to be able to offer some additional physical wellbeing sessions. We have donated a pool table already.
Swan: We need your support
Bex Swan, Network Ryde Youth Work Manager said,
“By supporting our crowdfunding campaign, you are not just contributing to the outfitting of a building; you are investing in the future of young people.
“With your support, we can create a space where creativity flourishes, ideas thrive, and young people are empowered to reach their full potential.”
To contribute to Network Ryde’s crowdfunding campaign and make a positive impact on the lives of young people, please visit the Go Fund Me page.
News shared by Jo on behalf of Network Ryde. Ed
