Our Mission

We Engage

It has always been the ethos of The Gap to meet young people where they are. Our first step in doing that is to build trust and relationships, and engage with them on their terms and in non-threatening or judgmental environments.

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We Invest

We do this by helping them develop their skills and abilities irrespective of their circumstances, situations, backgrounds, gender, race or faith. Our aim through intentional listening, mentoring and caring, is that we endeavour to help them grow into positive citizens where they can gradually take their place in society as responsible adults.​

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We Empower

We encourage and empower young people to learn and develop skills to overcome the challenges all young people face and help equip them to make their own lives a success. 

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We do all of this work through our projects, including the free of charge drop-in centre, called "The Venue", our street youth work "OutThere", and working in local schools and colleges through "HeadSpace", where we deliver assemblies, workshops and one-to-one mentoring.​​

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Our Vision

To help build a society where every young person feels valued, heard, and equipped to shape their future and contribute positively to their community.

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Third space theory

Primarily developed by sociologist Ray Oldenburg (1989), 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.

 

Key Concepts of Third Space Theory (Oldenburg):

• Characteristics: Third places are inclusive, neutral ground, characterized by conversation, accessibility, and a mix of regulars and new faces.

• Benefits: They alleviate loneliness, build community, foster social equality, and provide a sense of belonging outside professional or familial obligations.

• Examples: Coffee shops, sports clubs, gyms, bookshops, parks and community centres.

 

Alternative Definitions & Interpretations:

• Cultural Theory (Homi Bhabha): Bhabha describes a "Third Space" as a symbolic, liminal (transitional or on both sides of a boundary) area where different cultures meet, allowing for the negotiation of new cultural identities.

• Performance/Transition (Dr. Adam Fraser): Defines the "Third Space" as the mental, emotional, and behavioural gap between tasks (e.g., leaving school or work to go home), encouraging a "reflect-rest-reset" approach to maximize productivity and well-being.

 

Current Relevance for today:

The rise of remote studying and working from home and modern digital life leading to many young people alone in the bedrooms online has increased awareness of the decline of physical third spaces. This leads to a renewed push for places that foster simple old fashioned face-to-face interactions. These social interactions are so important for building confidence, self esteem and social skills to cope in a school, college, university or work setting. These all build greater personal and community resilience.

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We encourage social interactions in our drop-in as a safe space between school and home. Some young people find both school/college and home life stressful and unsettling particularly with working parents, parents working from home, multiple parents from split marriages or partnerships and step siblings, and living in two homes.

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The Gap can be a digital detox for a few hours and just a chance to enjoy the company of others.