OUR IMPACT
A decade of experience working with partners to transform places with the creative talents of young people.
Young people engaged in activity across the UK
Earned directly by young people through our events
Reported increased confidence after taking part
Towns and cities transformed through youth-led activity
A strong track record 💪
For over a decade, the Place For Youth team has worked with communities to help young people turn their ideas into action whilst also bringing creativity, energy and opportunity back into town and city centres.
In Carlisle, Teenage Market events have become a focal point for youth-led creativity, strengthening local pride and belonging. In Margate, young makers generated over £5,000 in sales at a single event. And in Salisbury, one young person was inspired to open a permanent high street shop — transforming a creative idea into a viable business.
This is the impact of sustained, place-based work: building confidence, developing skills, and creating real opportunities for young people and the communities they live in.
“Without the support provided, I don't think I would have a shop today. It gave me the belief that I could make it happen.”
Partnering with
St Helens Council
- Delivered: Regular Teenage Market activity in the town centre.
- Outcomes: Young people supported to trade/perform and build confidence.
- What it changed: Youth-led creativity became visible and celebrated locally.
Partnering with
Lincoln City Council
- Delivered: Free, low-risk opportunities for young people to test ideas publicly.
- Outcomes: Enterprise experience, skills development and peer support.
- What it changed: A more inclusive city centre that champions young talent.
Partnering with
Thanet District Council
- Delivered: Teenage Market events supporting young makers and creatives.
- Outcomes: Over £5,000 generated in sales at a single event.
- What it changed: Proved the economic value of investing in youth enterprise.
MAKING REAL IMPACT 💚
In addition to breathing new life back into high streets and town centres, our approach has proven itself to make a positive difference to young people’s mental health.
By creating low-pressure, welcoming spaces, we help young people feel seen, safe and part of something—so confidence grows, skills develop and natural support networks emerge.
For example, in Sunderland, young people co-designed activity that put wellbeing at the centre: with on-site counsellor drop-ins available at events. This created a safe pathway to build confidence, independence and a stronger sense of belonging for young creatives like Georgie.
“The Teenage Market has been like a safety net for me - a supportive space where I can showcase my work and build my confidence.”
IN THE SPOTLIGHT 🎥
Over the years, our work has been featured across a wide range of national, regional and local media outlets. We were, however, particularly proud of when The One Show came to cover The Teenage Market event in Bootle, as part of a story on alternative career options on GCSE results day.
Presenter Kev Duala visited the event at the venue Salt & Tar where he spoke to a range of young stallholders, as well as researcher and high street expert Dr Lucy Montague and our Executive Director, Joe Barratt, about why initiatives like The Teenage Market are so important.