Our Approach 🤝
We work in partnership with local authorities, place leaders, businesses and agencies to co-create projects that connect young people to place.
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It’s fantastic to see events running regularly in our towns that have such a positive impact on young people, giving them a platform to show off their creative talents.
— Cllr Adam Grist, East Lindsey District Council
WHAT WE DO
We are a hands-on, practical organisation that empowers young people to be the active agents of change in the places they live in.
In practice, we design and run youth engagement programmes; curate events and creative takeovers; broker partnerships with local stakeholders; and handle the nuts and bolts— everything from logistics to safeguarding and communications.
We co-design the brief with young people and local partners, then turn ideas into visible activity in public space. The goal is simple—instilling greater confidence, improved skills and enhanced pride for young people in the places they live in.
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We were delighted to be invited to take part in the Earlestown event and provide our pupils with the opportunity to perform to the local community in their hometown.
— Alison Clancy, Principal at St Helens Stagecoach Performing Arts
HOW WE DO IT
At Place for Youth, we believe the best outcomes for young people happen when communities come together. That’s why we work in partnership with a wide range of local organisations to deliver youth-focused placemaking activity as part of our events.
Every place is unique, so the partners we collaborate with vary, but often include youth support services, local schools, colleges and sixth forms, charities, community groups, and performance groups.
By bringing these organisations together and providing the supportive infrastructure they need, we create a platform for local talent to thrive and showcase the creativity, skills, and energy that already exists within the community.
NATIONAL RECOGNITION
Our model is cited as best practice for revitalising high streets, with The Teenage Market referenced within the recent House of Lords’ High Streets: Life Beyond Retail report as a way to create inclusive and accessible spaces that nurtures youth entrepreneurship.
Researchers from the Institute of Place Management at Manchester Metropolitan University also examined our work within their report High Street UK 2030 and found it breaks down barriers for young entrepreneurs, generates social value and confidence, and drives placemaking through music, craft and live performance.
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The commitment to creating a platform where young people can express themselves, develop skills and engage with their communities is truly commendable.
— Stephanie Peacock MP, Minister for Youth
OUR FOUR-STAGE FRAMEWORK
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ENGAGE
Reach out and listen to the views of young people; co-design the approach to projects with them.
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DEVELOP
Build skills, confidence and networks through mentoring, workshops and socials.
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ACHIEVE
Showcase youth talent in public—markets, performances and pop-ups that generate real income and pride.
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SUSTAIN
Embed a sustainable pipeline of repeatable events and engagement that keeps momentum going.