A SOMERSET charity that specialises in children’s mental health and wellbeing provision has secured space for a creative pop-up shop in Bridgwater for National Youth Work Week 2024.

From November 5, 2024, Young Somerset will be hosting its Bold and Brave pop-up shop, in addition to a range of workshops and events, in Angel Place Shopping Centre.

The space was acquired by Seed Sedgemoor earlier in the year and recently hosted a National Gallery exhibition. The same space will host the youth focused charity for one week.

Throughout the week there will be a timetable of free sessions and workshops that focus on culture, youthwork and arts. Young Somerset will collaborate with Seed, Into Film, The Glade Centre and Somerset Business Association, to bring a diverse range of opportunities to the town. The youth work and mental health and wellbeing teams have also been working to design and deliver workshops.

Nik Harwood CEO at Young Somerset, said: “We’re really excited to be hosting this pop-up in the centre of Bridgwater, to celebrate National Youth Work Week! Youth work is absolutely fundamental to the wellbeing of young people, not just locally but nationally, and it’s great to be able to celebrate that here in Bridgwater.

“Visitors to the Bold and Brave pop-up shop will be able to find some really unique items, made by local businesses and young entrepreneurs that reflect the passion and creativity of Somerset; a celebration of local talent, which empowers young people to showcase their skills and creativity.

Nick added: “The space will also be filled with a range workshops designed to engage children, young people and families and provide local residents with access to culture, inclusion, creativity and ‘The Art of Youth Work’. We are so grateful to have a space in Bridgwater to showcase the brilliant work that happens at Young Somerset.”

Bold & Brave is a venture established by Young Somerset, bringing together and providing opportunities for young people and the community. Products made by young entrepreneurs and local businesses will fill the shelves of the pop-up shop in Angel Place.

The annual Youth Work Week event, hosted by the National Youth Agency, aims to raise awareness of the life-changing difference youth work has on young people aged between 8 – 25 years of age. It is a chance to raise awareness of the difference youth work makes to young people, providing them with somewhere to go, something fun to do, the chance to make new friends, learn new skills and receive the support of a trusted adult.  

Leigh Middleton, National Youth Agency Chief Executive Officer, said: “Youth Work Week really is owned by all those working in and accessing youth work. It’s their chance to celebrate what youth work means to them and this year we’re keen to highlight the many wonderful ways that youth work celebrates diversity and provides inclusive spaces for our young people.”