Case Study

BMPT

Alex, Jordan and Stephen

‘If you want to do something then you have to do it, or else it would only have been an idea and not an event’. Alex, Jordan and Stephen from Berwick Youth Project have transformed their own idea into reality, proudly making their event a real success!

These three music loving young people organised a gig for the local young people and to their great delight they had ‘Boy Jumps Ship’ from Newcastle perform, a great hit with the audience. Securing £250 from Keyfund in Northumberland as their Stage 1 application, they held planning meetings with the band, discussing all issues from venues - and their availability - to detailed costings. They also worked on finding the best PA system hire company and ways to advertise the gig that would attract most young people to the event. In planning the project, the young people developed considerable skills in team work, making decisions and communication.

Besides, they have also learnt a lot about planning their time and energy as well as problem solving. Since they met once a week, it soon became clear that time management was going to be a hurdle. Each member took on responsibility for specific tasks but other factors such as school, work and family life meant that it could be difficult to get tasks completed. The young people quickly came back together as a team and worked hard to prioritise the event and make it happen. In another crisis moment where the date of the event had to change, the team - at short notice - had to go back to the band and the PA hire company to make the necessary changes.
 

Merrick, their facilitator who has walked the whole journey with BMPT, is encouraged by seeing the young people focus on their goal and their commitment to all aspects of the project. As she told us, “The young people put themselves on film to ensure good publicity which not only meant a new experience but additional time being giving to the overall project.” She has also seen them managing difficult situations and reacting to problems with a solution-focused attitude.
 

The gig was a big success. BMPT also performed at the event before the band. This, too, was very well received by the audience! It was a huge confidence boost to the group. Local young people and adults were really impressed with the gig. They thoroughly enjoyed themselves and appreciated the effort that BMPT had put in to make this happen to Berwick. Due to the town’s rural location, events like this do not often happen in the local area.
 

The event has also helped BMPT to open other doors. The group is still in contact with ‘Boy Jumps Ship’, for example.
 

We’d love to offer a big thumbs-up to you, BMPT!