Blank Canvas
Safe Spaces and Advocacy
Blank Canvas is an ecumenical youth charity based in Redcar, creating stories of hope for young people. Working with local churches, we provide safe spaces where young people can belong, gather, build intergenerational relationships and thrive. These include open-access Youth Clubs and Drop-Ins. Alongside this, when we identify areas of potential or struggle, we offer advocacy support, giving dedicated one-to-one time and working with families and schools where needed.
Who we are
Blank Canvas is a Christian charity that exists for all young people in Redcar. We aim to identify the everyday barriers they face and equip them to overcome them. We are proud to be youth-focused and youth-led—listening first, seeking to understand, and learning directly from young people. We then act, champion and advocate on their behalf.
We believe the local church has a vital role in supporting young people. We therefore partner with churches across Redcar, using their spaces, volunteers and resources to offer welcoming environments and opportunities where young people can flourish.
Our Approach
We bring together the voices of young people, the local church and those in the community to provide spaces that do two things:
Who we are
Blank Canvas is a Christian charity that exists for all young people in Redcar. We aim to identify the everyday barriers they face and equip them to overcome them. We are proud to be youth-focused and youth-led—listening first, seeking to understand, and learning directly from young people. We then act, champion and advocate on their behalf.
We believe the local church has a vital role in supporting young people. We therefore partner with churches across Redcar, using their spaces, volunteers and resources to offer welcoming environments and opportunities where young people can flourish.
Our Approach
We bring together the voices of young people, the local church and those in the community to provide spaces that do two things:
- For young people to explore faith and their own journeys
- To journey with young people in order to respond to the barriers which prevent them from flourishing.
Redcar is often seen as a town divided by the racecourse, and our work intentionally serves young people on both sides. Funding from Westhill Endowment will help us expand our safe spaces - including Drop-Ins across the town - and increase capacity in our advocacy programme.
What We Do
Our Safe Spaces and Advocacy project focuses on creating environments staffed by multi-generational volunteers and youth workers where young people can belong, make friends and build bridges. These spaces offer moments of connection through crafts, sport, conversation tables and DMC (deep meaningful conversation) rooms. Everything we do aims to ensure young people are seen, heard and valued.
Our YAFA (Youth and Family Advocacy) programme has grown from listening to young people within these spaces. By working in partnership with families, schools and the young person themselves, we offer one-to-one listening support. Through YAFA, we see young people re-engaging with education, accessing support services and moving away from involvement with the criminal justice system.
To find out more please see the Blank Canvas Youth Website by clicking here.
