What Is A Youth Shed?

Youth Shedz is an award-winning initiative providing a safe space for young people to discover themselves, develop pro-social identity, and journey with suitable role models as they learn new skills. Each Youth Shed is an organically grown, self-governing space run by young people for young people, under the guidance of supportive adults. These teams are led by a champion representing a supporting organization. Each Shed is tailored to meet the needs of its community, ensuring it remains a relevant and vital resource.

Fundamentally, a Youth Shed is a gathering place for young people, and doesn’t imply a specific type of building. There’s no perfect spot to set one up or precise method to start – the key is to establish the foundational blocks and let it grow organically.

Navigating Life’s Challenges

Many of the young people we work with have faced adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), making it challenging for them to cope with life and school. They’ve dealt with tough issues at a young age and are often managing significant difficulties beneath the surface. We aim to address this.

Youth Shedz is for those young people who may potentially be overlooked in larger groups.

The core ethos of Youth Shedz is to support those at risk of being rejected by, or who cannot cope with, mainstream society. Our mission is to help them navigate life’s challenges and find their strengths. We are committed to listening to, encouraging, and challenging young people, ensuring they feel valued and understood in a society that often overlooks them.

Meeting Young People Where They Are

We hope our spaces will meet them where they are in their lives and help them move toward a brighter future.

Youth Shedz is not a typical youth club for large groups to join and do activities, although a Shed can work well alongside such traditional youth clubs.

Just like with a physical shed, a strong foundation is vital. We are available to advise on how to lay the groundwork and suggest ways you can advance your idea.