Story and photo by Carrie Hedderwick
On 20th May, The Furnival opened its doors to friends of the Cellar Space, a project that aims to meet the needs of children and young people who are disengaged from mainstream and special education. Friday’s event was a fundraiser – £15 a head for an absolutely stunning meal plus a short video about the project, a presentation from Harry, the team leader, and a well-prized raffle!
Harry explained how Cellar Space provides a therapeutic environment where young people from a wide variety of backgrounds can learn and reach their full potential. The project can accommodate 35 people between the ages of 8 and 18, and offers one to one two hour sessions once a week.
Depending on individual needs, young people are helped with anxiety management, social skills, and self esteem through plans tailored to their needs and with involvement in art, music, cooking and other enjoyable activities. National curriculum targets are nowhere to be found, but evaluating children’s well-being is a key measure of the success of Cellar Space.
The project works in partnership with parents and carers, local education providers, the Council and other organisations.
While helping serve chicken, samosas, curries and spicy battered fish to nearly 50 guests, I became very enthused by the commitment and creativity of the Cellar Space crew. It was a very Burngreave event – inclusive, diverse, and fun.
If you have fundraising ideas that could help please contact harry@thefurnival.org.uk for further details.