About The Gap
Every young person deserves a chance to succeed.
We are committed to empowering them to achieve their dreams.
The Gap was established in 2008 to support teenagers and young people in Sutton Coldfield. At the time was there was no provision for young people after school or college.
Today the Gap are involved in several different projects for young people in the local community including providing a safe space after school or college and promoting good mental health and wellbeing to help with challenging lives.
We step into "the gap" between school and home., known as the third space. The third space theory defines essential, casual gathering places separate from home (first space) and school or work (second space), that foster social connection and community, such as cafes, libraries, or parks. These neutral, spaces enhance well-being and a positive outlook on life by promoting interaction among diverse groups.
Core Individual Outcomes
Over the years we have seen significant positive outcomes by fostering trusted relationships that enhance young people's self-confidence, emotional resilience, and social skills.
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Mental Health & Well-being: Enhanced self-esteem, self-confidence, emotional regulation, and resilience. Mentoring reduces depressive symptoms and feelings of loneliness.
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Social and Emotional Skills: Development of communication skills, empathy, trust, and improved relationships with peers, family, and teachers.
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Education and Employment: Improved school attendance, academic performance, and higher/further education enrolment rates. Improved career goals, employability and workforce readiness and flexibility.
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Behavioural Change: Reductions in substance misuse and youth violence. Mentoring has been shown to reduce violent crime by 21% and re-offending by 19% (Youth Endowment Fund research).
Longer term impact
These include improved school attendance, reduced engagement in risky behaviours or crime, increased independence and emotional resilience, increased employability, and better mental health, particularly for at-risk or marginalised young people.
Every child and young person is cherished and deserves a chance to succeed. Every connection counts.
The Gap runs the following projects:
An informal drop-in centre and a safe space for 12-18 year olds after school or college in the heart of Sutton Coldfield. Open 15:30 - 17:30 Monday, Wednesday and Fridays, excluding bank holidays.
The Venue has air hockey, basketball hoop, card games, darts board, pool table, sofas, a recording studio, table tennis, Xbox, and a free hot chocolate.
Working in schools and colleges delivering KS2, KS3 and KS4 assemblies, workshops including Y6 transition to Y7 in secondary schools, and one to one mentoring since 2015.
Detached street youth work out and about to connect and engage with young people on the streets of Sutton Coldfield Town centre and the surrounding areas.
A recording studio for music, Gap Chat podcasts and song writing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
Where is The Venue?
GapChat Podcast
On the GapChat podcast we discuss hot topics and enjoy listening to each other's opinions.
To listen to more episodes please subscribe to our channel.
