Raw Material's mission is to improve the lives of young people and their economic position, their opportunities, progression and development, including mental and physical health issues.
From a base in Brixton they provide training, mentoring and professional arts projects to develop creative talent, learn music and media skills and build confidence in a working environment and find routes into employment.
One of Raw Material's founding principles is to make young people the centre of the organisation. Wherever possible, those accessing projects and programmes are encouraged to join the Raw Material team and develop their leadership skills and experience. Their views and issues inform everything from project delivery to group decision making and steering the ongoing development of the charity.
Raw Material, Brixton
Raw Material, Brixton
Raw Material, Brixton
Raw Material, Brixton
Raw Material, Brixton
Raw Material, Brixton
Raw Material, Brixton
Raw Material, Brixton
| EB number | 548850 | LCF funding | £19,860 |
| Project postcode | SW9 0DJ | Total project cost | £19,860 |
| Object | D |
LCF project objectives
The project aimed to improve the community buildings in order to enhance and maintain real community led social and environmental improvements.
Improvements included energy saving measures and green technology within the project plans.
Project details and outcomes
The renovation project received £19,860 in funding from Biffa Award to install an energy saving heating system in the centre. This change has made a marked difference to various youth programmes creating a building where young people can mix and engage with others.
The award enabled Raw Material to raise further funds to complete the refurbishment of the studios and education rooms, rewire the centre and add new lighting and technical equipment. These improvements have made the centre a safe, warm and comfortable place for vulnerable people to study and improve opportunities through the arts.
Raw Material received the finalists award in the category 'Community Buildings' from funder, Biffa Award.
Raw Material CEO Tim Brown says - "With the fantastic support we have received from the Arts Council England, Biffa Award and our funders we now have an improved, safe, environmentally friendly, well equipped learning environment suited to all our users - and offering probably one of the best resources in the area. With our young creative team leaders and new operations manager in post, we are well placed to really make a difference in our community and beyond - the doors are open to new ideas, energy and possibilities."