Open House is a Birmingham-based non-profit organisation providing youth clubs, workshops, mentoring and sports activities to support young people’s wellbeing and support them to develop valuable life skills.
Open House is a dynamic and impactful community organisation led by a small but highly dedicated team. Founded in 2020 by Katie, a Child & Adolescent Psychotherapist, and Chantel, a Learning & Behaviour Mentor, the organisation is committed to supporting the mental wellbeing, social integration and physical health of young people living in and around south Birmingham.
Despite being a relatively young organisation, Open House has already established itself as a vital resource for local young people, adopting a holistic and collaborative approach to meet their needs – including those with special educational needs or who are not in education, employment or training.
Open House’s accessible outreach and engagement initiatives include:
- Seasonal holiday clubs, providing engaging and enriching activities during school breaks.
- Term-time after-school clubs, ensuring young people have access to structured and positive environments beyond school hours.
- Outdoor events & open allotment sessions, encouraging young people to connect with nature and develop hands-on skills.
- Opportunities to attend local sporting events including the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
- Fitness & wellbeing sessions, supporting both physical health and mental wellbeing.
- Life skills workshops, equipping young people with essential skills for future independence and success.
- Arts & crafts sessions, promoting creativity and self-expression.
- Knife crime & personal safety talks, raising awareness and promoting safety among young participants.
- Mentoring services, providing guidance, support and encouragement to young people navigating personal challenges.
In addition to its own programmes, Open House also strategically connects young individuals with wider services and local businesses to offer further opportunities for personal growth and development – going the extra mile when they see children and families in need by providing individual support and service direction.
The impact of Open House is evident through the positive feedback received from children and young people, and from the wider community:
“They’re really kind and if you’re distressed they really help you out. They’ve helped me grow and make new friends and overall they’re really good and I’d recommend them to anyone any day, they’re always smiling and happy.”
“Really good, there’s something for everyone and I would recommend it. I have made friends for life that I would have never met if it wasn’t for this club.”
“They are fantastic with children: patient, well organised, take time to speak to and get to know the children and their needs, and do not judge them. This is massive for children.”
Find out more about the StreetGames Sport for Development Awards 2024.
