As the Nights Draw In

25th September 2026 

This summer felt slower than usual. 

Long sunny days and the heatwave created space for young people to spend time outdoors, get creative, cook together, care for the garden, and simply enjoy being together. 

Through the Youth Spaces programme at The Power House and The Cornerstone Patch, sessions were shaped by the young people who attended. They painted fences, made artwork, learned new cooking skills, played games, and helped make the Patch feel even more welcoming. 

Music became part of the summer too. Young people shared playlists, introduced each other to new songs, and created the soundtrack to long afternoons of chatting, creating, and relaxing. 

When we asked what they enjoyed most, they spoke about having somewhere positive to spend time, meeting new people, and feeling comfortable being themselves. Some valued the freedom to choose how they spent their time, while others said the sessions helped them feel calmer and happier. 

 Parents and carers noticed changes too. Feedback highlighted growing confidence, independence, and new friendships. One parent shared that the sessions gave their child something to look forward to each week and a place where they felt comfortable being themselves. 

 Looking back, it's not one activity that stands out. It's the conversations, shared music, creative projects, and time spent outdoors. More than anything, it's the way these spaces were shaped by the young people who used them. 

 As autumn arrives, those opportunities to connect remain just as important, and we're looking forward to welcoming both familiar and new faces in the months ahead. 

See what's on at The Power House: 
https://www.thepowerhousepoole.org/events