Launchpad is DUCFS’ independent outreach platform, focusing on igniting change throughout the North East. We are funded by the overall DUCFS fundraising total and a host of student-led fundraisers and events throughout the academic year. The platform was created by DUCFS exec members in 2021 as a way of contributing to combatting key challenges facing our local community in County Durham; from high rates of deprivation and child poverty and related issues including school expulsions and poor community mental health, to supporting the settlement of local refugees.
Our mission is to provide a springboard for individuals across the Northeast, through several outreach projects, creating opportunities for our local community. Building upon DUCFS’ creative philanthropic principles, our work aims to develop key practical life skills that can be taken into the wider community and professional creative workplace. The key pillars of our work – music, community and the creative arts – reflects the ethos of DUCFS.
Launchpad’s projects are delivered in collaboration with our charity partners RTProjects and Durham City of Sanctuary. RTProjects is dedicated to helping individuals who may be struggling with their mental health. The charity provides art therapy sessions to support individuals to cultivate emotional resilience and build coping mechanisms. Their work enables these individuals to embark on a journey towards recovery at the Open Art Surgery located in Gilesgate, Durham. Launchpad’s funding stream enables additional sessions to take place each week, and our student ambassadors have collaborated with RTProject’s ‘Never give Up’ suicide prevention initiative in an effort to raise awareness in the student community.
Durham City of Sanctuary is a charity which aims to build a more welcoming UK for refugees. The charity works with individuals, groups, and organisations in every area and sector to encourage inclusivity, solidarity, and compassion for refugees. Launchpad ambassadors volunteer alongside Durham Refugee Kid’s Club to support the weekly drop-in session for refugee families in County Durham. The drop-in offers engaging activities and tutoring for the children while their parents benefit from English conversation classes. Launchpad’s funding stream provides the drop-in with a variety of creative workshops and increases the opportunities available to the children.
This upcoming year, Launchpad also plans to launch our DJ School Project. The initiative was set up by former students to give young people from deprived areas the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of DJing and be exposed to the creative industry. We are also expanding our outreach in support of St Cuthbert’s Hospice in Durham City and will be hosting a variety of community events from food-bank collections to clothing drives during term-time.
How you can get involved:
We are recruiting a small team of volunteers to join the DUCFS community as Launchpad ambassadors. Becoming a Launchpad ambassador is a meaningful and enjoyable way to make a positive impact in your community while enhancing your personal and professional growth. No previous experience is needed, we are looking for passionate individuals to join the team with opportunities to volunteer across our projects as well as those with photography and marketing skills. Make sure to follow us on social media @ducfslaunchpad and keep your eye out for one-off events later this term!
by Zoë Skipper Reed
