A Newcastle charity that has helped regenerate disadvantaged communities through creative education is celebrating 25 years transforming opportunities for young people.
Kids Kabin works with children and young people in economically disadvantaged areas to teach practical, hands-on skills that boost their sense of self-worth and confidence, as well as helping them address local issues.
The charity, which has worked with up to 10,000 children since it was formed in 1994 in an empty shop unit in Walker, now also uses a fleet of bicycle trailers made by young people with the support of the Kids Kabin team to bring its many activities to those most in need. And next week, the charity is to welcome friends and supporters past and present to a special event to mark its milestone birthday.
Charity founder and manager Will Benson explained: “Our aim has always been to give all children and young people the chance to fulfil their potential by nurturing their talent.
“Many young people struggle in an educational environment that measures success through numeracy and literacy. But over the last 25 years, we’ve seen how much children can thrive in a more kinaesthetic learning environment, and how much this can contribute towards the regeneration of local areas.
“The support we’ve received from the communities in which we work has meant such a lot and we’re incredibly proud of all the young people and families involved, many of whom still support us as volunteers. It’s a real privilege that we’re able to share this milestone with so many people who’ve made Kids Kabin part of their lives.”
Paul Hastings, 13, has been attending Kids Kabin sessions in Cowgate since he was eight years old and has become a skilled woodworker, even making a special chair for his younger brother who suffers from spina bifida. He’s now hoping to become a young volunteer.
Mum Sarah said: “The stuff Paul has made and done there – I’m so proud, and it’s really boosted his confidence. He was a bit of a loner really and never used to come out of his bedroom much. Now you can’t keep him away from Kids Kabin and he gets on with people much better.”
Sarah said that Paul has not only learned new skills but is also becoming more independent as a result of his weekly sessions. She added: “He loves to show people what to do. He’s even shown his 17-year-old sister how to cook and his seven-year-old sister is now desperate to go to Kids Kabin too.”
Mia Anderson, 12, found out about Kids Kabin through a school assembly four years ago and is also planning on becoming a young volunteer. Mum Marianne said: “As a working parent I’ve found it reassuring to know she’s safe and happy at Kids Kabin, and the opportunities she’s had have been amazing.
“She loves arts and crafts and making and doing and her self-esteem is brilliant now. She’s always been quite quiet but now she joins in and puts herself forward. Kids Kabin has given her the confidence to do that and to take more of a lead. I really do think it’s fantastic.”
Mia added: “I love Kids Kabin because it’s fun and you can talk to new people and make friends.”
Noor Amer, 18, a Kids Kabin volunteer for the last three years agrees. She said: “No two children are the same. I’ve seen children being friends at Kids Kabin when out on the street they can’t be because of peer pressure. But they all have so much potential – you sometimes don’t see this out on the street when they’re all trying to impress their friends and act the same. But if you give them the opportunity, they can do brilliant things.”
Noor, who lives on the Cowgate estate where Kids Kabin operates from once a week, is now considering a career working with children and young people. She’s also glad to be working with Kids Kabin as a member of the community to find creative solutions to local issues such as anti-social behaviour.
She said: “I’ve learnt how to communicate with children, gain their trust and build positive relationships with them. I hope when the children I work with at Kids Kabin grow up they’ll be less aggressive and more tolerant of others.”
Kids Kabin’s ‘hub and satellite’ model includes a mobile kitchen, portable pottery wheel and woodworking bench, while its base remains at Church Walk in Walker, now in a purpose built young people’s arts centre. The approach means it works not only in Cowgate but in Pottery Bank, Daisy Hill and in Byker, as well as around 15 additional street locations, so barriers due to geography, perception, fear or lack of confidence have been broken.
Kids Kabin works with around 120 children across Newcastle each week and more than 1,000 each year, with regular trips, camps and residential further afield. Supporters are invited to celebrate with all the volunteers, staff and young people at an event at Kids Kabin’s Church Walk base from 4pm-6pm on July 19th.
To RSVP, email myravillas12@gmail.com. And to find out more about Kids Kabin and its work, visit kidskabin.org.uk.