Creative hub in Cornwall benefit from £1,000 boost

A Penzance creative hub designed to be a bridge between education and employment for young neurodivergent people has been given a £1,000 funding boost by Hayle-based Sapphire Holidays.

The Bridge Studios (Penzance) CIC was set up by Lynn Watson and her son Mikey, based on their own experiences with neurodiversity.

Mikey, an IT support technician at Sapphire Holidays, said: “I’ve seen first-hand how much creativity can change someone’s trajectory when they’re given the right space and support.

“My younger brother is autistic, and despite being incredibly capable and creative, through unsuccessful job applications he has experienced how often neurodivergent people are overlooked, underfunded or expected to adapt to systems that were never built for them in the first place.”

The Bridge Studios will offer young people a multi-functional studio space in which to practise photography, videography, music, arts and crafts, with workshops and gallery space as well as community cafe. A high-street presence will enable users to showcase and sell work to the public.

Lynn, who is neurodiverse herself, discovered the collective need for such a facility when she turned to social media to describe her own family circumstances and was deluged with similar stories.

“This won’t just be a ‘safe space’ for young people, but also a platform where their creativity is taken seriously, while being shared publicly and highly valued - somewhere they can build up their confidence, skills and a sense that what they do really does matter,” she said.

“Their parents, carers and workers will also benefit from a new social network, and opportunities to watch their young person go from strength to strength. This is a big project and with the support from our community can be brought to life.”

The £1,000 has enabled the Bridge Studios to smash its initial £2,000 Crowdfunder campaign to cover the CIC’s start-up costs, including office space, insurances and training in first aid and safeguarding.

“None of this would have been possible without such a generous donation at this crucial stage,” said Lynn. “The Sapphire Holidays donation has truly meant the world to us - these are exciting times.”

The search for the perfect permanent home for the Bridge Studios is ongoing and in the meantime Lynn and the team hold regular awareness and fundraising events such as fortnightly jumble sales and coffee mornings at the Pulse Venue in Heamoor, courtesy of the Royal British Legion.

Sapphire Holidays’ donation was in response to an email Mikey sent to colleagues highlighting The Bridge Studios project and why it was close to his heart.

Sapphire’s human resources manager Laura Summers said: “Mikey and his mum are doing a wonderful thing, and we were delighted to donate £1,000 to get them over the halfway point towards their initial fundraising target. We wish them all the luck and success in their exciting venture.”

Sapphire Holidays is a Cornwall-based group of self-catering holidays letting agencies, comprising Aspects Holidays, Boutique Retreats, Classic Cottages and Unique Hideaways. Based in Hayle, the group employs more than 200 people.