A new youth center named The Basement has officially opened in Helston, Cornwall, offering a dedicated space for local teenagers. The venue, designed with direct input from hundreds of young people, aims to empower them to organize and lead their own events and activities.
The facility is tailored for individuals aged 13 to 18 and has a capacity to host up to 200 people. To celebrate its launch, a week of special events is scheduled to run until November 1, showcasing the venue's potential and flexibility.
Key Takeaways
- A new youth space, The Basement, has opened in Helston, Cornwall.
- The venue is designed for teenagers aged 13 to 18 and can hold 200 people.
- Its creation was guided by feedback gathered from hundreds of local young people.
- The core mission is to empower teens to create and manage their own events.
- Launch week activities include a skate event, film screenings, and a roller disco.
A New Hub for Helston's Youth
Helston has welcomed a new community resource with the opening of The Basement, a versatile space created specifically for its teenage population. Organizers have emphasized that this project is about more than just providing a place to gather; it's about fostering creativity and independence.
Jonathon Bray, a key figure in the project, explained the philosophy behind the new center. The goal is to give young people a sense of ownership and control over their own social and recreational lives.
"It's... almost handing the keys over to them and letting their imaginations run wild," Bray stated, highlighting the trust being placed in the town's youth.
With a capacity of 200, the venue is equipped to handle a wide range of activities, from small group meetings to larger community events. The focus is on providing a safe and supportive environment where teenagers can develop new skills, socialize, and express themselves.
Designed by and for Young People
A central element of The Basement's development was its collaborative design process. Organizers made a concerted effort to involve the very demographic it aims to serve, ensuring the final result would meet their actual needs and desires.
According to the team, the design and planned activities were shaped after "speaking to hundreds of young people" from the local area. This direct consultation process was fundamental to the project's vision.
Community-Led Design
The decision to consult directly with teenagers ensures the space reflects their interests, rather than what adults assume they want. This approach is intended to increase engagement and make the center a true reflection of the local youth culture.
This commitment to listening is at the heart of the center's operational model. "We've really listened to the kids and decided we'll put in place all the things that they want," Bray added. This approach moves away from a top-down management style and towards a partnership with the community.
Launch Week Kicks Off with Diverse Events
To introduce The Basement to the community, organizers have curated a week-long series of events designed to showcase the space's versatility. The schedule, running until November 1, is packed with activities that were specifically requested by local teens during the consultation phase.
The lineup includes a variety of interests, demonstrating the venue's adaptability. Planned events for the inaugural week are:
- A drop-in skate event for enthusiasts to practice and socialize.
- Screenings of spooky films, timed for the Halloween season.
- A roller disco, offering a classic and fun social activity.
These initial events serve a dual purpose: they provide immediate entertainment and act as a live demonstration of what is possible within the space. The hope is that attendees will be inspired to plan their own future events.
The Vision for The Basement's Future
Beyond the launch week, the long-term vision for The Basement is for it to become a self-sustaining hub of youth-led activity. The initial events are a starting point, intended to spark ideas and encourage teens to take initiative.
Empowering the Next Generation
Youth centers that promote autonomy and leadership can play a crucial role in personal development. They provide a platform for young people to learn valuable skills in event planning, management, and community organizing, all within a supportive setting.
Organizers are encouraging young people to think of The Basement as their own. The message is clear: if you have an idea for an event, a club, or a workshop, this is the place to make it happen. The management team sees its role as facilitators, providing the resources and support necessary for teens to bring their visions to life.
"I think it's a really lovely opportunity for the town," Bray concluded, expressing optimism for the center's impact on Helston's community fabric. The success of The Basement will ultimately be measured by the creativity and engagement of the young people it was built to serve.