Royal coat of arms of the United Kingdom next to the text "Funded by UK Government".
Logo of Torridge District Council with a stylized bridge and waves.

This project is part-funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund

Digital poster promoting media production workshops with audio art and podcasting themes. Features colorful graffiti-style background, social media icons on the left, text about skills, confidence, empowerment, and creativity, and an orange vintage-style microphone.

CREATIVE WORKSHOPS

〰️

CREATIVE WORKSHOPS 〰️

Community Programmes & Workshops

Evidence-based programmes creating confidence, skills, and progression pathways

It Took Three Years to Work This Out

When we started public podcasting in Torrington back in 2022, we had no idea it would lead here. We thought we were just helping people share wellbeing stories during the cost-of-living crisis.

What we discovered changed everything.

Young people who couldn't speak in class were suddenly interviewing archaeologists. Those who struggled with traditional learning were creating professional-quality content. Parents described their amazement at transformations they witnessed.

It took three years to understand why. To work out the quite particular conditions required. To develop methodology that could be repeated, validated, and shared.

Now we know. And it works.

Young Voices in Heritage™

Our Flagship Initiative

Young Voices in Heritage™ isn't just workshops - it's systematic transformation validated through professional partnerships and academic recognition.

The young people who complete this journey don't just learn skills. They discover capacities they didn't know they had. Fears dissolve. Isolation breaks down. They chose to call themselves "The ACE Team" - which tells you everything about how they feel about their achievements.

Young Voices in Heritage™ is our original initiative methodology developed by Ace Holds The Space Group. We are the originators of this innovative approach combining audio art skills with heritage documentation.

Our Three-Stage Methodology:

- Stage 1: Audio art and recording skills development

- Stage 2: Podcasting and digital storytelling techniques

- Stage 3: Real-world field experience with heritage organisations

Young Voices in Heritage™- Our Original Initiative Methodology

Developed by Ace Holds The Space

Two children and an elderly man sitting at a blue table with recording equipment and laptops in a studio or classroom setting.

Audioart and Heritage Documentation Sessions at Bideford Library

Ages: 10-16 years 

Initiative: Professional Skills DevelopmentProgramme: Ongoing workshop blocks with field experience 

Block Structure:

  • Block 1: Introduction to Audioart and Podcasting

  • Block 2: Advanced Podcasting and Jingle-Making

  • Block 3: Visual Media and Publishing incl Canva and Capcut

  • Field Experience: Practical application through the Museum of London Archaeology (MOLA) heritage event

    Our Young Voices in Heritage™ field experience represented the culmination of our proprietary methodology. Our three-stage approach has attracted attention from heritage organisations and public services based on outcomes from preliminary sessions.

    View their professional heritage work featured on MOLA's blog: ACE Team Heritage Interviews 

    Our workshops have demonstrated significant positive outcomes in community engagement, reducing isolation, fostering collaboration, enhancing cultural enrichment, and improving participant wellbeing. Starting with 9 participants, our core group of 4 dedicated attendees has shown remarkable progress and growth throughout the initiative.

    Their work now features on MOLA's professional blog, demonstrating the real-world value of skills developed.

    Contact us to book a place for our next Sessions:

    workshops@aceholdsthespace.com

Flyer for Ace Holds The Space community event promoting multimedia, podcasting, jingle making, and content creation workshops, with a historical photo of a waterfront town, and event details at Bideford Library.
A group of children and a woman are gathered around a table with audio and media equipment, in a room with wooden bookshelves and a banner that reads 'Media Production & Workshops'.
Decorative graphic with colorful text that reads 'The ACE team! Broadcasters' and a small circular logo with 'ace holds the space' inside.

Audioart and podcasting workshops at Bideford Library are engaging a group of children who eagerly attend each week to explore sound. They are dedicated to their projects and creating impressive sound collages.

Our Audioart and Podcasting workshops teach essential media skills to youth and adults. Our participants develop technical abilities while also experiencing significant benefits in wellbeing, social development, and cultural enrichment.

Audioart and Podcasting Session Details

Proven Outcomes:

✓ 100% participant confidence improvement

✓ Increased social connections (particularly benefiting home-schooled participants)

✓ Growing enquiries from heritage organisations and public services

✓ Clear progression from participant → volunteer → employment opportunities

✓ Meaningful contribution to local heritage preservation

Skills Gained

  • Professional audio recording

  • Digital storytelling

  • Interview techniques

  • Editing and production

  • Teamwork and collaboration

  • Creative confidence

  • Public speaking

Each block takes place over 4 weeks:

Block Structure:

  • Block 1: Introduction to Audioart and Podcasting

  • Block 2: Advanced Podcasting and Jingle-Making

  • Block 3: Visual Media and Publishing

  • Field Experience: Practical application - includes attendance at an event

See professional recognition in our latest news → ACE Team Heritage Showcase: When Young Voices Meet Professional Recognition

Workshop Success & Future Opportunities

Our Audioart and Podcasting workshops have been thriving since November 2024, with our recent 10-16 year old participants taking their skills into the field through exciting real-world experiences!

Interested in future workshop opportunities for yourself or your child? Contact us today to join our waiting list for upcoming sessions.

[CONTACT US]

Or email us directly: workshops@aceholdsthespace.com

Expanding Programmes

Community Creative Sessions

Currently in development based on youth programme success

Building on our youth methodology, we're developing programmes for different groups:

  • Adults Seeking Creative Expression: Same audio-first approach, adapted pace

  • Intergenerational Heritage Projects: Bridging generations through shared stories

  • Community Groups: Documenting their own histories authentically

  • Specific Communities: Tailored approaches for different needs

Each programme adapted to participant needs whilst maintaining our core approach - psychological safety, participant-led progress, genuine respect.

Tailored Workshop Delivery

We can develop workshops for specific communities:

  • Heritage Organisations: Youth engagement that actually works

  • Libraries: Creative programmes building on our Libraries Unlimited success

  • Community Centres: Innovative activities for hard-to-reach young people

  • Schools:Alternative learning approaches for those who struggle traditionally

Our Methodology

Why It Works

Audio-First Confidence Building

Starting with audio removes performance pressure. Participants focus on content, not appearance. If, or by the time cameras appear, confidence is established. The transformation was remarkable. Now it's deliberate methodology.

Non-Linear Progress

We don't force predetermined outcomes. Some participants become interviewers, others prefer editing, some discover technical skills, others find creative expression. Progress happens at individual pace in individual ways. We trust that young people and adults know their own paths - our role is to provide tools and support.

Psychological Safety

Three years taught us the precise conditions required. It's about more than kind words - it's systematic creation of environments where authentic expression becomes possible. This means: right room setup, appropriate group dynamics, careful facilitation, genuine respect, patience with progress, celebration of small wins.

Peer Learning

Young people learn from each other as much as from facilitators. We create structures for peer support, ensuring nobody gets left behind. The ACE Team now mentor new participants, remembering their own journey and providing authentic encouragement.

The Team Behind It

Youth Engagement Specialist Level 3 Youth Work qualification with 9+ years supporting SEND populations. Extensive experience with neurodivergent young people. Film-making and visual production expertise. Understands the nuances of youth development deeply.

Programme Lead 15+ years public sector and organisational culture development expertise with 5+ years media production experience starting in community radio. Developed the methodology through systematic research and practice. Believes fundamentally in creative expression as pathway to wellbeing.

Professional Filmmaker Documentary and visual content expertise. Brings broadcast-quality standards whilst maintaining community-centred approach.

Peer Support Facilitators Young people who have worked in voluntary youth engagement initiatives and/or who've completed programmes, now supporting others. They remember what it felt like starting out and provide authentic encouragement.

Commissioning Workshops

For Organisations

We work with organisations to deliver workshops that meet specific objectives whilst maintaining our participant-centred approach.

What we provide:

  • Qualified, DBS-checked facilitators with proven expertise

  • Professional equipment - not toy versions

  • Comprehensive risk assessments and safeguarding protocols

  • Evaluation frameworks measuring real impact

  • Ongoing support beyond initial delivery

  • Connection to wider opportunities

Investment levels:

Workshops are priced according to:

  • Duration and frequency of sessions

  • Participant numbers and support needs

  • Equipment requirements and technical complexity

  • Travel and venue costs

  • Evaluation and reporting needs

  • Legacy planning requirements

We're experienced working within grant parameters and can support funding applications. Our track record helps secure funding.

For Participants

Our workshops are either:

  • Free through funded programmes (majority)

  • Low-cost through subsidised delivery

  • Never a barrier to participation

Transport support available for outings. Equipment provided. Refreshments included. Multiple participation options for different comfort levels.

Current opportunities include:

  • Special projects with heritage organisations

  • One-off taster sessions

  • School holiday programmes

The Bigger Picture

Creating Pathways

These aren't just workshops - they're pathway creation. From participant to volunteer to employment. From isolation to connection. From silence to confident expression.

We've proven these pathways work. Our evidence shows progression is real, sustainable, and transformative.

Heritage Preservation

Young people become skilled heritage documentarians. They preserve stories that might otherwise be lost, bringing fresh perspectives to traditional narratives.

But they're not "heritage champions" for the sector - they champion themselves. The heritage preservation is valuable outcome, but youth development is the heart.

Community Building

When young people gain confidence, families strengthen. When stories are shared, communities connect. When heritage is preserved, identity develops.

The ripple effect extends far beyond individual participants.

WORKSHOPS FOR EVERYONE

Adults & Young People (17+)
Ready to explore creative media skills? Express your interest today!
Email: workshops@aceholdsthespace.com

Organisations & Teams
Transform your staff and volunteers' capabilities through engaging creative production workshops that deliver both professional skills and wellbeing benefits.

FOR ORGANISATIONS & GROUPS

Looking for staff, volunteer, or youth development with added value? Our workshops blend creative skills with wellbeing and economic empowerment—benefiting both your organisation and participants.

Triple Impact:

  • Develop creativity and self-expression

  • Foster community connections across generations

  • Create professional media content for your marketing needs

Transform the ongoing challenge of content creation into an opportunity that empowers your people while meeting organisational goals.

OUR APPROACH

We offer 'Have a Go' introductory sessions where participants explore recording equipment and editing skills. Each person receives a journal for storyboarding ideas and can create projects individually or in groups.

Our supportive, non-judgmental environment respects different learning styles and creative approaches. Inspiration comes from diverse sources, with refreshments and socialisation opportunities included.

Contact: workshops@aceholdsthespace.com

These workshops are administered by Alignment Creation Enterprises (our charitable social enterprise arm). Organisations interested in this initiative please contact: service@alignmentcreation.enterprises