Masefield, Wordsworth and Dickens House
Project
Masefield, Wordsworth and Dickens House
Client
Karakusevic Carson Architects
Location
South Kilburn, London
Beyond the Box is dedicated to ensuring that young people and communities directly benefit from the financial investments pouring into their communities, especially during comprehensive neighbourhood regeneration projects. These projects, often spanning several years, aim to create long-term positive impacts, but it's crucial that the local youth experience tangible benefits throughout the process.
Recognising this need, we have partnered with the award-winning architectural firm Karakusevic Carson Architects and Brent Council to design and deliver a series of impactful social initiatives. Our focus is on the residents of Masefield, Wordsworth, and Dickens House in South Kilburn, a key area within the broader South Kilburn regeneration programme.
By working closely with Karakusevic Carson Architects, we ensure that our social impact projects are not only innovative but also tailored to meet the specific needs of the local community. This collaborative effort guarantees that the architectural and urban design elements align seamlessly with the social objectives.
Empowering Youth
Community-Centric Projects: Each initiative was developed with the residents at the heart of the process. We engaged with the community through workshops, focus groups, and interactive sessions, ensuring their voices were heard and their needs addressed. This inclusive approach fostered a sense of ownership and pride among the residents.
Youth Empowerment Programmes: Our project placed a strong emphasis on empowering young people. From educational workshops and skill-building sessions to creative arts and mentoring, we provided opportunities that inspired and prepared the youth for future success.
Sustainable Impact: We are committed to creating sustainable and lasting change. By integrating social, economic, and environmental considerations into our projects, we ensure that the benefits of the regeneration efforts are experienced by current residents and future generations alike.
YOUNG INNOVATORS
We launched a groundbreaking initiative, recruiting a dynamic team of young innovators, aged 16-21, from across South Kilburn. This talented group was invited to collaborate with us in co-designing social impact projects aimed at addressing local issues they identified themselves.
Our Journey with Young Innovators:
Over a six-month period, we worked closely with these young innovators, focusing on skill development while connecting them to the rich cultural and civic infrastructure within the borough. This initiative was not just about learning and development; it was about providing meaningful, paid employment at the London Living Wage.
Weekly Development Sessions:
Every week, we hosted development sessions where the young innovators could refine their ideas and transform them into actionable projects. These sessions were designed to nurture their creativity, enhance their problem-solving skills, and build their confidence as future leaders.
Investment in Community Spaces:
Part of our commitment involved investing funds into the South Kilburn Trust by hiring their space. This not only supported the Trust financially but also helped in revitalising an under-used community centre, making it a vibrant hub for local engagement.
Empowering Local Talent:
We believe in the power of local talent. Therefore, we employed a full-time Engagement Assistant from within the community to work alongside us in designing the program. This collaboration provided invaluable insights and helped ensure that the program was deeply rooted in the local context. Following the successful completion of the program, the Engagement Assistant secured full-time employment at the South Kilburn Trust, exemplifying our commitment to creating sustainable employment opportunities.
Awarded Projects
In collaboration with Karakusevic Carson Architects, we awarded £6,000 in grant funding to support three inspiring projects led by local young innovators. Each team presented their project ideas to a distinguished panel, including representatives from United Boarders, Drip Punch, and Beyond The Box’s Founding Director.
Young And Rich – £2,000 Awarded
Led by Kamarll and Kyan, two young Black men passionate about business development for youth, "Young And Rich" aims to equip young people with financial security through comprehensive business planning and development workshops. The project covers essential skills such as:
Currency Trading: Understanding the dynamics of foreign exchange markets.
Investing in Stocks and Shares: Learning the basics of the stock market and investment strategies.
Product Purchasing and Up-Selling: Developing entrepreneurial skills to buy and sell products profitably.
3 Steps To Success – £2,000 Awarded
Safiyyah's project, "3 Steps To Success," is designed to provide young people with bespoke opportunities to diversify their skills through professional development workshops. The project includes:
Mapping Aspirations: Identifying personal goals and aligning them with future opportunities.
Workshops and Programs: Offering access to summer schools, university access schemes, work experience, and specialist lectures.
Success Measurement: Continuously evaluating the project's impact and effectiveness throughout its implementation.
All-Star Mental – £2,000 Awarded
Patrick, Nathan, and Chouaib presented "All-Star Mental," a project focused on mental health awareness and support. This initiative seeks to create a welcoming youth club environment that uses basketball as a medium for:
Communication and Team-Building: Encouraging open dialogue and collaboration through sports.
Mental Health Exploration: Addressing issues like toxic masculinity and other challenges faced by young people today, fostering an environment where youth can speak confidently about their well-being.
Skills Exchange Programme
Our Skills Exchange Programme was crafted to foster a dynamic series of skills, knowledge, and networking exchange workshops tailored for the South Kilburn community. This initiative aimed to build strong relationships among local residents, organizations, freelancers, businesses, and the youth community.
Recognizing the immense hidden talent within our community, we began by inviting members to share their skills, knowledge, and expertise. This collaborative approach helped us design a diverse and engaging series of workshops, all aimed at benefiting the wider South Kilburn community.
A Platform for Growth and Connection:
Participants had the opportunity to acquire new skills and knowledge through a platform of exchange, fostering intergenerational relationships and strengthening community bonds. These enriching interactions took place at the Granville Centre in South Kilburn, a vibrant venue for community engagement.
Workshop Highlights:
Floristry: Unleashing creativity through the art of floral arrangement.
Graffiti Art: Exploring street art as a form of expression and storytelling.
Funding Workshops: Providing insights into securing funding for community projects.
Card Making: Crafting personalized cards, enhancing artistic skills.
Life Drawing: Developing drawing techniques through live model sessions.
Cake Making: Learning the art of baking and decorating delicious cakes
Through our Skills Exchange Programme, participants gained valuable skills, built lasting connections, and contributed to the vibrant tapestry of South Kilburn’s community life.
At Beyond the Box CIC, we are dedicated to unlocking the full potential of our community by creating platforms for growth, learning, and collaboration.
