Youth Mark is the quality award for organisations that provide services for young people, delivered entirely by young people. Haringey Shed participated in a Youth Mark assessment of its services carried out by four young people from London.

The assessment found that the organisation caters for young people of all abilities and needs and was impressed by Haringey Shed staff and volunteer’s commitment and willingness to allow everyone to play a part. A young member of Haringey Shed said of the organisation:

 “The strength of Haringey Shed is inclusion, providing opportunities for young people to take part, supporting those with disabilities and bringing young people of all abilities and needs together.”

Interviews with staff, volunteers and young people revealed they see Haringey Shed as a ‘one big family’ and felt proud to be part of the organisation. This strong sense of family and community amongst Haringey Shed stood out to the young people carrying out the assessment as something really special.

It was clear to the young people carrying out the assessment that all staff, volunteers and young people firmly believed in equality and inclusion. They were impressed by the professional support provided by the organisation, including access to interpreters for people with hearing problems and one to one support provided by trained volunteers. Through observation they found that the young people themselves played a huge role in supporting and involving their peers and this was something that reinforced the organisations motto “Everyone has a part to play”.

The young assessors found that Haringey Shed is committed to involving young people in the design and delivery of their organisation not just in acting, singing and dancing. Young people are engaged in service delivery at Haringey Shed, supporting other young people in the children’s theatre, choosing the themes for plays, designing choreography and fundraising for the organisation. The Haringey Shed youth forum is integral to the organisation, giving young people the opportunity to have their say and make improvements to their organisation.

Join Haringey Shed’s Summer Theatre Company at the Bernie Grant Centre on Saturday 21st April at 2pm and 5pm for The Odyssey, a joint performance by our Children’s and Youth Theatre.  This original performance of the Greek tale features over 120 children and young people who have devised their own script, written their own songs and choreographed their own moves.

Come and join us from 1st – 4th June at the Bernie Grant Arts Centre to take part in an exciting performing arts project.  It’s completely FREE and is a great introduction to Haringey Shed.  For more details please contact lucy@haringeyshed.org or call 020 8365 5453

Join Haringey Shed during the Easter holidays for a week long performing arts project ending in a short performance.  We are offering young people the opportunity to work with a team of professional directors, choreographers and musicians to devise and perform a brand new show.

Places can be booked by contacting Haringey Shed on 020 8365 5454 or emailing lucy@haringeyshed.org