Workshops In The Community
relevant – they bring everyday topics bang up to date with their vibrant and exciting performances. Their messages are always clear and their workshops are great fun – all the local children enjoy taking part and look forward to their return every time.”
Loraine Pulham, Neighbourhood Manager, Becontree and Mayesbrook Wards,
London Borough of Barking & Dagenham
Chain Reaction regularly facilitates issue-based workshops within the community. These workshops generally take place out of school hours (during school holidays or after school) in a range of venues including community centres, youth centres, theatres, church halls, and school premises.
We often work closely with local young people, neighbourhood coordinators, community safety teams and tenants & residents’ associations to find out what youth and community issues are prevalent in their area. We are then able to adapt our programme to suit each location and that particular area’s needs.
Whether the workshops run over a few days or a few weeks, they usually end with a final performance by the young people and an exhibition of the artworks they have created. Young people get the chance to invite parents, carers, friends and family. In the past we have also invited local police, community support officers and community workers along these finale events.
Chain Reaction are committed to delivering our high-quality workshops to as many young people as possible. In the deprived areas in which we work, many young people cannot afford to pay to attend out of school hours workshops. As such, in addition to community workshops privately funded by schools and other organisations, we focus on providing free community-based workshops in accessible local venues.
Often there is a danger, that outside of school hours, young people are bored, hanging out on the streets, or engaging in anti-social or negative behaviours. If you would like to fund activities in your community so that young people have access to positive, fun educational activities to occupy them during these times, contact us.
the drama, rapping and making smoothies. To whoever funds Chain Reaction keep up the
good work, shame there isn’t more activities like this for older children. Well done to the
facilitators and volunteers that have put their time and energy to help my boys express
themselves. Thank you all.”
Parent/carer of workshop participants aged 14 and 11
To read a case study for one of our community workshop projects, please click here.
