What is Make Space?
- Make Space 4Children Logo
The Make Space campaign was launched in October 2002 and aims to create a new network of contemporary, dynamic and safe out of school clubs for 11-19 year olds. Supported by Nestlé and developed in partnership with 4Children, the UK’s leading charity for childcare, the Make Space Campaign tackles a real social need, revealed through research with teenagers, parents and teachers which showed that young people are bored and do not have enough things to do or safe places to go, after school or in the evenings.
Make Space identifies the type of place young people want – a dynamic place that offers social opportunities and activities in a safe environment, and is developed in consultation with them. This provides the core ethos of a Make Space club. Make Space clubs are individually unique but share the same elements as defined by the Make Space core criteria, which ensure they:
- Are based around a chill-out space where young people can relax, meet their friends and enjoy their leisure time in comfortable surroundings.
- Have a quiet space where young people can access computers and the Internet, study or read in peace.
- Include an activity space, or access to local facilities, providing young people with a range of sporting, arts and other opportunities.
- Are consultative, with mechanisms in place to involve young people in all aspects of their club.
- Two girls at a Make Space Club laughing
Three years on
A great deal has been achieved in the first three years of the campaign.
There are now over 1200 Make Space clubs, around 200 of which have gained full Make Space status. Over £1.5 million has been distributed to clubs via grants and membership services and a Make Space ‘Cabinet’ of young people has been created to provide them with an opportunity to comment on what matters to them.
Support has been won from all three main political parties, including a manifesto commitment from the Conservatives.
You can download a full report of progress since the launch of the Make Space Campaign at the top right hand side of this page, Make Space Three Years On.
For full information on the Make Space Campaign, including details of how you can develop a club in your area, visit www.makespace.org.uk.
