The Rock was set up as a major strategic youth project at a time when all front line youth services were withdrawing in Gloucestershire. The redundant church of St Peter’s, its hall and grounds were given by Gloucester Diocese to enable this pioneering project to happen.
Over the years The Rock has worked with over 13 different schools or agencies. These include the three main secondary schools in the area and their feeder schools. The Rock also works with the Cheltenham and Tewkesbury Alternative Provision School (formerly St Georges) and the Virtual School that supports looked after foster care children. We also work with Social Services, Families First, Inspiring Families, the Police and the Aston Project locally. Agencies are increasing and renewing the work we are doing. Projects combine engaging positive activities (such as team games, photography, cooking, film making, mountain biking, community projects and music making) with experienced individual support. We work flexibly with schools and other agencies to create engaging and effective programmes.
The Rock often work with young people for 8 week stretches but this could be longer and at a higher level if necessary. All beneficiaries are made aware of the community youth work and encouraged to attend on top of their ‘formal’ attendance. The Rock staff have acted as an appropriate adult if a young person is arrested or attended hearings at court etc…
The Rock takes a flexible approach with all projects as no young person is the same and needs to be treated as an individual.
Examples of the things we do include:
-Young people develop skills to plan, prepare and cook a meal on a limited budget -Young people take, edit, print and display photographs for a photography exhibition. -Young people complete a community action project – helping the wider community. -Young people undertake First Aid training and receive certificates -Young people pass an ASDAN Award(Improving Own learning/ Working With Others)
-Young people pass Level 1 and Level 2 ABC Mountain Bike Mechanics Qualifications.
-All young people were supported to work towards targets such as: addressing eating disorders, stopping criminal behaviour, working through bereavement.
► Is The Rock for me?
The Rock is for all young people of any faith or none. Regardless of race or background, our doors are open.
If you work with young people in schools, churches or youth groups, then The Rock is also for you. We are a place, a venue, a centre, but we are also a resource for teaching and leadership and a living, evolving community.
► Where is The Rock?
Well, if you mean our building, then The Rock is at St Peter’s Church, Tewkesbury Road, Cheltenham. Some of the most disadvantaged young people in Gloucestershire living in one of the most deprived communities in England are on our doorstep. This is where we belong.
But The Rock is so much more than a building. Our work reaches into the local community, into families, schools and churches. All of our equipment (and our team) are mobile, so groups can use our facilities at St Peter’s or in their own setting. Can’t come to The Rock? Then The Rock shall come to you!
► What’s the point of The Rock?
Right outside our doors, there are young people facing challenging social circumstances. They can easily become disengaged from education and their community. When they do, we believe there is a need for relevant alternative educational provision. This is where The Rock comes in.
Church structures and communities often struggle to engage with the incredible diversity of youth culture. We need a bridge that enables young people to engage with faith on their own terms. This is where The Rock comes in.
Young people in Cheltenham tell us that they have little or no relevant space to call their own. Even when facilities exist, youth tribalism often breeds exclusion. They need more than just a place. Young people need a community where they can grow and feel that they belong. This is where The Rock comes in.
The Rock offers a model of credible, innovative youth work. None of the needs it meets are unique to Gloucestershire. We might be starting local, but we’re thinking big.
► Who runs The Rock?
A dedicated team of staff and a wonderful group of volunteers run The Rock.
