KPC’s Reach Out hub was based on an after-school drop in for ages 14+, providing activities and support to young people who may not "fit the norm"/struggle with large groups, may be struggling with their own identity, and be at risk of experiencing social isolation and the related negative consequences. This safe space was designed to provide young people who have not access KPC’s before, giving them a safe place to socialise, chat, create their own project, and build on their confidence.

This project was always about providing a quality experience to a small group of young people, and help build their esteem and confidence, with the aim to either keep in contact with each other, give peer support, feel comfortable with attending KPC’s open access provision.The project was promoted to young people who may be experiencing some form of social isolation, or struggle to interact with their peers. They may be struggling with their own identify, or feel isolated through their disability, race, interests or unseen issues.

Although the original plan of the project had to adapt for the unforeseen circumstances of Covid-19 lockdowns and restrictions. The core message of the project stayed the same to help young people realise that everyone has insecurities and lacks confidence in some situations. Everyone should celebrate each other's differences and embrace individuality. KPC went on to run an exciting community postcard campaign that meant they could link up vulnerable members of the community at a time when face to face provision was unable to go ahead.

Area supported: Rhondda Cynon Taff Project name: Socks for the Homeless For further information on: Community Centre | Hirwaun YMCA | Wales

This project aimed to bring young people together who were known to suffer from Mental Health and Wellbeing issues, giving them a focus through the pandemic to plan and deliver an exciting project to help the homeless within our cities. Young People from the communities of Penywaun and Cwmbach joined the project, however the team did not stop there! With each session information and photos were posted on their social media Youth Group reaching several young people from different communities. Check out the Video here: (20+) Facebook

The project began with the young people planning what would be needed in the stockings for the homeless and sourcing donations from the communities and local businesses. The young people then collected the items over several weeks and created the stockings in readiness for Christmas. The young people along with staff then contacted local volunteer groups who help the Homeless in Cardiff and were able to accompany them and distribute the items. The whole process and project were filmed by young volunteers and put together as a short film by the end of the project.

The project was designed in hope to capture the feelings of the young people involved and give them a sense of accomplishment through the work carried out, which is evident through the video. Throughout the project it was hoped that young people would be introduced to one another increasing friendship groups and allowing young people to mix from different communities.

This project was much needed during 2020/1 to bring young people together and give them a focus through the ongoing pandemic. The project was fully peer lead and young people were able to be fully involved in the project and decision-making processes while abiding by the government guidelines throughout the pandemic.

Area supported: Newport Project name: Creative Hub For further information on: https://www.realitytheatre.co.uk/

This intergenerational project brought together independent living students from Coleg Gwent, Newport Campus, aged 16-25. Who have a range of learning difficulties, from Autism to confidence issues, as well as residents from Derwen/Pobl Housing complex also in Newport. Through the project the participants were able to access creative workshops and pop-up events (run by the students) every month. Reality Theatre have been working with the ReachOut project for both years of the programme so were able to establish the group prior to the pandemic. When lockdowns and restrictions came into place the group moved over to virtual sessions with the help of the college. “It gives a sense of purpose and worth to the students, who would never normally have the opportunity to engage with something like this.”

The work done through the creative hub was promoted via Coleg Gwent and Reality Theatre social media, with the plan for a final end of year performance open to the public, summer 2021 (Covid restrictions allowing).

The whole project is built around the issue of isolation.

“It has been a joy (working with the group). They have engaged, learned so much, grown in confidence, and have had a platform for their voices to be heard. They have also met up with the older people with whom we work, and a lovely inter-generational relationship is being developed between the 2 groups.” Reality Theatre worker.

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