Ethos Public Relations Manchester

TSELF goes into SPACE

by Ethos public relations

SPACE, a social enterprise in Blackpool set up by Sean McGinty to offer facilities and opportunities for young people interested in music and the creative industries, has received a £10,000 boost from The Social Enterprise Loan Fund (TSELF).

SPACE is a community interest company which offers flexible and supportive work experience opportunities for young people and is also contributing towards the regeneration of Blackpool.

In December 2006, SPACE acquired a lease on an empty building which they developed as affordable rehearsal and recording studios for young musicians. The loan from TSELF will help fund internal building alterations, creating an extra room, as well as additional musical equipment and new windows.

The Managing Director of SPACE is Sean McGinty. He's also the presenter of the BBC Introducing programme on BBC Radio Lancashire which champions new, local music. Sean is passionate about providing creative opportunities for young people and has developed the SPACE facility from scratch with his own money, giving young disadvantaged people part time employment opportunities within the organisation, where they staff evening rehearsal sessions.

"We're delighted with the loan from TSELF," says Sean. "Everything SPACE does must be sustainable. There has to be a business opportunity and a social need and Blackpool has both in abundance. When those two things come together social enterprise really can improve aspirations and employment opportunities for young people. The loan will make a huge difference to SPACE, allowing us to develop our facilities, open up the centre for daytime use and generate additional revenue from renting out the rehearsal rooms."

"SPACE provides a wonderful opportunity for disadvantaged young people in Blackpool to develop their knowledge and experience of the music industry," says Roy White, Regional Director of TSELF.

"TSELF provides loans to organisations that make a valuable social impact and, thanks to the improvement work we are helping to fund, SPACE will be able to make an even greater contribution to the community and local economy."

To find out more about SPACE contact Sean McGinty, email me@seanmcginty.co.uk, or visit www.seanmcginty.co.uk. For more information about TSELF visit www.tself.org.uk or call 020 7680 1028.

Posted at 24^th May 2009