Clay Clubs run twice a week in 9 Youth Zones, reaching over
2,000 young people each year.
Our Clay Clubs have had measurable impact in these areas:
Increased self-esteem
Better overall mental wellbeing
Increased resilience
Better problem-solving skills
Increased social skills
We measure our impact using the Me App, a bespoke system used across the OnSide youth centre network, developed with and validated by King’s College London. The system links each impact outcome to clear questions that youth workers can use during informal conversations to assess a young person’s progress over time across different areas.
“I love getting messy and making lots of different things, it makes me feel calm and happy, and I can try out all my ideas without worrying if they’re perfect.”
— ZJ, young person attending Clay Clubs"Everyday she walks into the art room perfectly clean... and walks out covered in clay, her hands stained, her clothes messy, but always with a smile on her face. Nothing seems to stop her, not failed attempts, not even the days I open the room late because I have to scan all the young people at the entrance first. She’s even one of the few who complain, not out of impatience, but because she’s eager to get to work.”
— Youth worker “We don't have like stuff like this in Trinidad... And even if we do, like the workers and stuff wouldn't be so nice. And so nice that we could go speak about feelings too.”
— Katelyn, young person attending Clay Clubs