Quay West helps galvanise public support
for vandalised youth centre

Youth workers at ‘The Hut’ in Braintree were shocked when they discovered that the youth drop in cafe that they had been running there had been vandalised and damaged, possibly beyond repair. Quay West had already helped publicise ‘The Hut’, devising a publicity stunt which attracted front page local coverage; so youth leader Glenda Worth called to ask the agency for some more advice to get across the news that help was urgently needed.

Quay West helped Glenda to target local media and convey the right messages so that the bad news could be reported and an appeal for help issued. The result was front page coverage in the Braintree & Witham Times, and a radio interview on BBC Essex.

“The response to the broadcast in particular was amazing,” said Glenda. “We’ve been inundated with offers of rubbish clearance to take away all the damaged equipment and debris; building materials at cost price to repair the damage, and free paint from B&Q and a free carpet from Ramsden Mills in Witham. We’ll be looking for something very hard-wearing! And we’ve even received donations of money. Everyone has been so kind.

I wouldn’t have thought of approaching BBC Essex and it was so lovely being able to ask Quay West for advice on what to do to harness support from the public. From being so disappointed, we’re really encouraged by all the help.”

Quay West is now helping The Braintree Youth Cafe Project to draft an official leaflet, and a business plan to help apply for further funding to expand and develop the venture.