The chance to celebrate youth work via the Census is welcomed by Steph Dickinson, MD of Pie Factory Music, based in Ramsgate, East Kent.
Pie Factory Music provides youth work, music and creative arts projects, pastoral care and counselling for young people and helps them work with the wider community.
“We know what can be achieved when it’s properly funded,” Steph said. “And the Census is an ideal opportunity to illustrate what we do. We know that what we do has an impact – we’ve been going for just over 20 years and have supported over 50,000 young people down the years.
She says: “The Census is really important to get a realistic and accurate picture of the changing needs of young people. Things change so fast today, and the way young people like to be communicated with is one of those things, including using social media. We need to know what they want, otherwise we will be providing things that don’t matter to them.
“I would urge other organisations to take part in the Census. It’s really important to get in front of the decision makers and get accurate information to them.”
Originally a music organisation, Pie Factory Music’s work has grown to meet the needs of young people. The organisation delivers several strands of support:
- Creative music: instrument use, singing and music and a sound engineer on hand in studio for practice, 1-2-1 tutoring, song-writing guidance, jamming sessions and recording opportunities. Music development and sessions for girls and gender non-conforming 13 – 19-year-olds.
- Emerging Artists: Pie Factory Music’s year-long professional development programme that provides a route for young musicians on the career path and artists looking to kick-start their music careers. It matches young musicians with industry professionals, and some have gone on to work with Netflix. In 2021, a group of the young musicians launched a youth record label, ‘Wantsum Music?’ releasing singles from local artists, and creating a community of support.
- Pastoral care: this has grown significantly since Covid with an emphasis on diversity
- A food bank: providing essential items. The scheme is youth-led, are all the organisation’s programmes.
- Free face-to-face and online counselling sessions: for 13 – 18-year-olds in East Kent.
- Open Arms – a safe space for unaccompanied asylum seekers and refugees aged 13 – 21 years to play, make and create
Support for the community: this provides a bridge between young people and wider networks. Activities also include a weekly session for unaccompanied asylum seekers and refugees. Steph said: “Throughout the Covid19 pandemic, our young people produced and delivered care packages and cards to other young people and care homes across Thanet.”
Steph adds: “It’s our duty at Pie to be here for every and any young person in and coming to East Kent. We’ve also partnered with local organisations to offer them new, exciting experiences such as Discovery Planet‘s science-inspired workshops.”
“It’s thanks to our incredible community who crowdfunded for us that we are able to provide our counselling service.
