Young people transform Evesham Youth Centre with new community mural

The mural has been created thanks to funding from a Worcestershire County Council Public Health Community Grant.

Working with local artists, the group at Ourside Youth Centre took part in creative workshops exploring what the centre means to them.

Staff had noticed that some of the group had become involved in anti-social behaviour and were known to the local policing team. This project was designed to help rebuild trust, strengthen relationships, and give the young people a positive sense of ownership of the space.

The young people helped design a large mural for the outside of the building, giving them the chance to make their mark on a place many rely on. They spent two days working alongside the artists to install the piece from start to finish.

They were encouraged to express themselves through hands-on activities, including spray painting old chairs with their own designs. The finished chairs are now used daily and have brought new colour and pride into the centre.

Young people involved in the project said: “We got a lot of freedom within the project and to use the spray paint how we wanted. It gave us all a chance to be creative as well as getting more involved with the centre and feeling more part of it.”

“I felt we could really be who we are through the project. We were asked what we thought and that’s massive.”

“People were walking past and stopping to talk and ask us what we were doing, saying ‘Well done’.”

Councillor Satinder Bell, Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing at Worcestershire County Council, said: “Creative projects like this can be a turning point for our young people. They help build confidence, create a sense of belonging and support more positive choices. They offer a safe outlet for emotions, a chance to try new things, and a space where young people feel valued and connected. The mural has made the centre brighter and more welcoming, and everyone involved should feel incredibly proud.”

Community groups with innovative ideas to support young people’s wellbeing or bring people together through creative health projects can apply for a Public Health Community Wellbeing Grant via the dedicated pages on our website.