A TAMESIDE arts hub is gearing up for its next chapter after securing a five-figure grant to help it reach more young people than ever before.
The Vale in Mossley has been awarded a Better Youth Spaces grant that will fund a wave of new creative equipment – from musical instruments to a fully kitted-out ceramics studio.
The shopping list was shaped directly by young people who use the centre, ensuring the investment matches their ambitions.
Global Grooves, the charity that runs The Vale, will also be able to purchase a seven-seater electric van and carry out building upgrades designed to make the space safer, more accessible and better equipped for modern workshops and performances.
A mobile assistive listening system will allow deaf and hard-of-hearing young people to fully take part in activities in and beyond the building.
Founded 13 years ago by friends Leon Patel from Mossley, Holly Prest from Greenfield and Brazilian percussionist Eraldo Marques, The Vale has grown from a shoestring operation to a thriving creative base.
A £1 million transformation in 2021 saw the Northern Carnival Centre of Excellence open on site, cementing its status as a major cultural hub for Greater Manchester.
The centre already offers a packed programme for young people – free Saturday morning gardening and crafting sessions; a Creative Careers course for 13 to 18-year-olds across Tameside, Oldham and Rochdale; and high-energy Tuesday night percussion, brass and dance sessions.
Earlier this year, 12 local teenagers even found themselves rehearsing with indie favourites Shed Seven before performing with the band in Manchester and Leeds.
Leon Patel, CEO of Global Grooves, said: “The Better Youth Spaces Fund investment will help us make The Vale even more accessible, inclusive and youth-friendly. It will also help Global Grooves to bring high-quality creative training and opportunities to young people beyond our own four walls at The Vale, supporting our work as part of the GMCA Culture Fund portfolio.”
One of those young people is Harvey Jones, who has attended sessions since his early teens and was part of the funding bid.
“For young people, especially in Tameside, it is hard to find somewhere to practise because equipment is so expensive,” he said. “The new amps and all the tech are really good and feel exciting to use. It gives young people access to equipment we would never normally get near.”
Rob Benfield, director of grants and investments at Social Investment Business, said: “It’s fantastic to hear the difference Better Youth Spaces will be making to young people across Tameside and the other Greater Manchester boroughs. We’re looking forward to seeing how the investment will help to make The Vale even more accessible, inclusive and youth friendly.”