Global Grooves Get Moving – Better Youth Spaces
“This is just the best news ever. It will make a huge difference to our young people!”
A grassroots organisation in the Northwest is transforming young lives through the arts. Now, with support from the Better Youth Spaces fund, Global Grooves is preparing for a step-change in what it can offer, expanding its reach, deepening its impact and creating better futures for young people across Tameside.
Vibrant venue
Since 2003, Global Grooves has brought inspirational Carnival practice from around the world into communities across the North. Last year alone, more than 5,000 young people got involved in activity led from The Vale, Global Grooves’ home and Tameside’s only multi-arts youth hub.
Based in Mossley, in the foothills of the Peak District, The Vale is a former textile mill transformed into a vibrant, fully equipped venue for creative learning and participation. It is a place where young people feel safe, seen and supported, and where artistic talent is nurtured from the earliest spark of interest.
Leon Patel, Global Groves CEO, tells us about the ethos behind the organisation: “We provide safe and inclusive spaces for ages 11 to 25, especially for those experiencing disadvantage, risk or additional needs. Our programme spans music, dance, theatre, textiles, digital arts, gardening, permaculture and leadership. Families are welcomed too, strengthening the support networks around young people. Our youth-led model builds confidence, wellbeing and leadership as participants move from open sessions to live events, volunteering, mentoring and employment.”
Investing in young people
Young people are at the heart of everything Global Grooves does. They lead local and national youth steering groups that co-design training, apprenticeships and opportunities, keeping the programme relevant, ambitious and driven by lived experience. Many progress from participants to facilitators, performers, volunteers, staff and even trustees.
The Better Youth Spaces grant will enable Global Grooves to invest in new creative equipment and digital tools, safer and greener transport, and improvements to the facilities that young people use every day. Crucially, these upgrades will be shaped directly by young people themselves.
“This funding means a major upgrade to improve safety, quality and opportunity at The Vale,” explains Leon. “We’re delighted to have been awarded support through the Better Youth Spaces Fund. The investment will help us make The Vale even more accessible, inclusive and youth friendly.”
Growing grooves
Global Grooves began in 2001 as a small youth-led collective of percussionists and workshop leaders responding to a clear need for high-quality, culturally diverse arts training in the Northwest. Today, as a Charitable Community Benefit Society, Global Grooves has grown into a nationally respected organisation delivering authentic training, co-created programmes and professional development rooted in music, dance, visual arts and Carnival traditions from around the world.
Leon explains their mission: “We want to unite and empower individuals and communities through opportunities to experience and create inspirational art. By celebrating diverse cultural traditions, we aim to motivate individuals and communities to connect with the arts as a way of making positive change. Through collaboration and advocacy, we strive to build a sustainable and exciting arts landscape defined by excellence and innovation.”
The Global Grooves gang are delighted with the grant!
“We are buzzing about the changes coming to The Vale. It already feels like a second home for so many of us, and the upgrades mean we can dream bigger and make even stronger projects together.” – Youth Carnival Band Participant
“The Vale gives us a proper space to be creative and learn skills we cannot get anywhere else. Having better facilities will make a huge difference, especially for people who do not usually get these kinds of opportunities.” – Global Grooves Young Leader
“Coming to The Vale has changed everything for me. It is the first place where I felt genuinely supported and encouraged to try new things. The new equipment and spaces will help even more young people feel that same confidence.” – Youth Volunteer
Leon shares his gratitude to everyone involved: “This bid has been driven by youth voice at every stage. We want to say a huge thank you to everyone whose ideas and energy helped shape our successful application. Together, we are building better spaces and brighter futures for young people in Tameside and beyond.”