Our Youth Programme
What does a youth programme at St Anne’s House actually look like?
At St Anne’s House, our youth programme is grounded in the belief that young people benefit from meaningful space to explore their potential. Based in Brislington, and in particular on the doorstep of St Anne’s Park – we have deep roots locally and enable affordable opportunities in a part of Bristol where youth provision can often feel limited. Spaces like these offer something distinct from both school and home: opportunities for experimentation, curiosity, and self-definition; free from formal assessment or expectation.
Keep reading for more information on our philosophy…
How do I join? The journey of a young person through St Anne’s House can begin in two main places. The first is our weekly Tuesday Youth Club, which is an informal space to make food, hang out and play games. The second is our Holiday Sessions and Wednesday Workshops, which are seasonal and usually involve collaborating with amazing artists and taking part in ambitious creative projects.
Follow our instagram, facebook and newsletter for what’s happening on the youth programme. If you have any questions, you can email holly@bricksbristol.org
Our wider approach to youth programming:
The youth programme at St Anne’s House is built around three guiding ideas: Flexible Thinking, Creative Provision, and Future Careers. Together, they shape how we work with young people and what we hope they take away from being here. At its core, the programme offers something different from school or home; a space for curiosity, experimentation, and creative risk…
Flexible Thinking is about using creative processes to build confidence, resilience, and openness. We prioritise trying things out over getting things “right”, and see mistakes as part of making. Play, humour, and silliness sit alongside reflection – all of which help young people explore ideas without fear of judgement.
Creative Provision positions our space as a “third place”: distinct from school and home. It is process-led, not outcome-led, and free from grading or assessment. Young people become “Artists in Residence” and are trusted as active participants in shaping the space alongside facilitators, with shared responsibility for how it runs.
Future Careers focuses on widening ideas of what is possible. By working with a range of creative practitioners, we share honest, varied pathways into creative work. We aim to show that careers are rarely linear, and that creative thinking is a valuable tool across many futures, not just within the arts. We recognise creativity as a core life skill: “Creativity is as important in education as literacy, and we should treat it with the same status” (Sir Ken Robinson).
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