Bereaved parents from Cornwall launch scheme to help vulnerable youngsters
The Pearl Exchange is running workshops in Bude
Two bereaved parents from Cornwall have launched a scheme to help vulnerable and unemployed young people.
19-year-old Pearl Bamford from Bude died last year, after she was found on a riverbank in Truro.
Pearl's mum and dad, Rose and Johnny Bamford, say they became aware that many young people leaving education were not receiving the vital support or direction they needed, with very little options available to them.
Now they are trying to help other youngsters through a new project called The Pearl Exchange.
From the 20th to 27th October, The Pearl Exchange is putting on a series of project-based learning workshops for young people in Cornwall and Devon.
The programme is aimed at 18-30 year olds, with creative and well-being workshops, experiences, and activities on offer. Provided free of charge, the taster week will be situated on the Pitch and Putt site in Bude.
The Pearl Exchange mission is to build a nurturing and collaborative community in the area, facilitating and supporting young adults to discover, explore and develop creative pursuits. The variety of creative options are being presented by industry professionals who are volunteering their time and expertise.
Some programme features to mention are banner-making on Tuesday 20th, screen printing and lino printing workshops on Wednesday 21st, a start-up and entrepreneurial day on Thursday 22nd, creative thinking and writing sessions on Friday 24th, sound production and live music coaching on Saturday 25th, and performance coaching on Monday 26th, to name a few.
The Pearl Exchange have curated a programme of incredible creatives, including Andy Blake from Bay Fitness, Lydia Johnson from London Clinic of Hypnotherapy, Jamie Dominy from Signs of Anarchy, Sam Horton from Granite & Glitter, and Louise Middleton of Kudhva.
As well as these interactive sessions, there are other inspiring contributions for the community, such as wildlife walks, daily wild water dips and a philosophy discussion.
Running from 20th - 27th October, the free taster week will act as the launch for the 2-month programme happening in Spring 2021.
October’s event will trial and showcase creative options, introduce The Pearl Exchange to the Cornish and Devon community, and gather support and knowledge for a more permanent offering in the future.
Funding has been granted from Arts Council England and FEAST with their Re-ignition fund. Donations have been received from many, including Camelford Self Storage, North Cornwall Glazing, Premier DGU, and Western Supplies, as well as local tradesmen and individuals. The venue itself has been generously made available by Bude & Stratton Council.
The creative programme is aimed at 18-30 year olds, but there are opportunities for all to get involved. The programme will be managed according to current COVID-19 guidelines.
For the full programme and to book tickets for workshops visit The Pearl Exchange website.