Life can be tough for any youngster - but that’s especially true in Nottingham, the Youth Opportunity Index has found. Thankfully, Base 51 are stepping up to support 11-25 year-olds across the city through counselling, group work and, very shortly, with their new music events, SUNDAY SES51ONS. Khadijah Islam hears all about the charity’s vital work…
Why did you decide to set up SUNDAY SES51ONS?
At Base 51 we have a state-of-the-art recording studio in our basement where young people can come and learn about lyric writing, music productions and everything to do with performance. We’ve got some talented people and want to give them an opportunity to show off their talent in the city of Nottingham. They’re from areas where they may not get many of these opportunities, so we want to help them out.
Why is music such an important focus?
It allows young people to express themselves. We have art therapy and other therapies, but music seems to tap into the best ways for them to feel free. It gives them an outlet to express any frustrations they’re feeling.
Why should people check out the events?
To support a local charity where all the profits will help Base 51 with our work supporting young people. It will also take place in Binks Yard at the Island Quarter, which is a new must-see destination in Nottingham - and, more simply, it will be a fun day out! It’s the beginning of a series of events that will be running to raise funds for our charity.
We’ve got some talented people and want to give them an opportunity to show off their talent in the city
How is Base 51 doing now?
Earlier this year, Nottingham City Council cut funding for youth services across the city, including Base 51, which means we had to find new ways of funding our services. We’re looking to build corporate partnerships, and expand our community and individual fundraising, and we’re going to be running an exciting calendar of events to try and do that. We will have a Christmas campaign where every donation will be doubled - we’re already looking for Christmas presents and donations, as well as businesses who can help us.
How important are you to the community in Nottingham?
We’ve supported 50,000 people since we first opened. Nottingham is officially the worst place to be a young person, according to the Youth Opportunity Index, which looks at the education and employment opportunities for young people in each area of the UK. Funding to youth services has been cut across the UK in recent years, which means less availability of support to young people in need, and some of our city areas are the most deprived. Base 51 is vital in providing support when they need us.
What are your future goals for Base 51?
We’re looking to expand our funding so we can increase the number of people that we can support, launch new programmes and continue to be the leading youth charity in Nottingham.
The first SUNDAY SES51ONS will take place at The Bandstand at Binks Yard on Sunday 6 November. Grab your tickets online
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