Arts & Education
The Plaza cinema, based in Sefton, Merseyside is a unique community resource that offers a dynamic film based education programmes to schools, the voluntary sector and the general public. Since 1997, when it was reopened as a community cinema, the three-screen Plaza has promoted a menu of commercial, limited release, foreign language and cult film. More importantly it has developed an innovative menu of community events designed to promote the social, educational and inspirational value of film. It is, as far as we are aware the only charity in the UK to provide essential community facilities and encourage social inclusion through a cinema.The overall beneficiary group of the Plaza Community Cinema is the population of Sefton, currently 285,000 people. The main focus of our activities is in South Sefton with a population of 161,000 people. South Sefton is an area of high social deprivation, high unemployment and low educational achievement. Seven of its wards fall within the 10% most deprived areas in the UK. Sefton also has the largest population of over 80’s of any metropolitan borough in the country. The PCC prioritises the following groups of people
Children & Young People in an area of Social Deprivation A significant number of children and young people are from low income, benefit dependent, or lone parent families in an area where 10% of the population is classified as “not in good health”. Children and young people in the area face issues of low self esteem, disaffection, bullying, anti social behaviour and a lack of positive role models
Looked after Children (LAC)
There are approximately 1,000 LAC children in Sefton (Children and Young People in Local Authority Care). In addition to the issues outlined above, which generally effect children and young people in the area, LAC face additional stresses connected with the lack of parental input, and / or a trusting family environment, and associated difficulties in forming and maintaining close personal relationships. They often experience difficulties with communication, language, development and low academic achievement, risk of substance abuse, early sexual activity, mental health issues, and long term unemployment. LAC benefit particularly from projects run by ‘The Plaza’ which provide stimulating, but less formal learning opportunities, social inclusion, engagement with positive role models and their local community, and preparation for the world of work.
Young people not in education, employment or training (NEETs)
There are currently around 900 NEET’s registered within Connexions Youth Service in Sefton, approximately 7% of the total population of this age group. NEET’s have particular issues with disaffection, long term unemployment and high levels of benefit dependency, tendency to isolation, risk of involvement with crime, police or ASBOs, and issues with low self esteem. In South Sefton 12% of 16-14 year olds are currently unemployed. NEET’s have a particular need for stimulating activities to build or restore their confidence, equip them with social skills, and encourage them into unemployment or education. ‘The Plaza’ has worked closely with Sefton MBC and Connexions Youth Service to develop a series of projects aimed at providing NEET’s with skills and confidence to move into employment, training or further education. By giving access to disadvantaged and NEET groups to social and educational activities, delivered in a safe and stimulating environment, free from anti-social behaviour and crime, we address the needs of this group for social inclusion, confidence building, skills development, independence & improved potential for employment.
Adults with Physical and / or Learning Difficulties
Adults with physical and / or learning difficulties tend to be vulnerable people, often reliant on benefits and / or social care, and can often be marginalized from ‘mainstream’ society. ‘The Plaza’ is working with Sefton Social Care Services to develop a bespoke programme addressing the needs of these particular groups, with the aim of equipping them with the skills to improve quality of life, and help them develop meaningful relationships, lead full and valued lives, be included in the local community, maximise their independence, and where possible, move towards employment or education. By providing opportunities for adults with physical or learning difficulties to participate in workshops on themes relevant to their interests and well being, we address their needs for greater integration into mainstream society, skills development, confidence building and independence, giving them a real basis for a better chance in life.
Older people in the community
Older people in the local community are often vulnerable, on low incomes, living in a deprived area, and often living alone. They face issues of social isolation, low self-esteem, risk of mental illness, depression and associated negative health impacts, fuel poverty, difficulty in getting about, and often reliant on public transport. Fear of crime can lead them to staying at home, increasing further risk of isolation. This group has a particular need for access to stimulating, cultural and social activities in a safe environment, and at an affordable cost. By reducing the isolation of the older & vulnerable members of the community through innovative and cultural interaction we address the particular needs of this group for social inclusion, creative stimulation, and protection against health risks associated with isolation, as well as engaging them in community activities.
Key Targets – 2009 / 2010
• Improve amenities and physical space of the PCC
• Develop funding streams to support/sustain educational and community services.
• Secure funding to reduce Carbon Footprint via renewable and sustainable energy (Including; new heating and new roof to incorporate solar panels/wind turbines)
• Expand our role within the “Merseyside Plan for Regeneration”
• Develop core services provision such as “Plaza Youth Hub” and structured leisure provision for schools and community groups
• Develop marketing pack highlighting usps and awreness of PCC and PCC charity shop
