NGY myplace and Base51, is a well known community based organisation that operates by day and night [Base51 from 9am - 5pm and NGY from 5-9pm] and works with youth between ages 11 to 25. The centre does not open until 12pm for young people to access the general area and services. Base51 is the lead partner and manages NGY myplace. Staff structure is made up of paid workers and volunteers and student placements. The organisation is the only centre in the UK that offers a wide range of services and activities under one roof.
Located at Castle Gate, Nottingham the centre is adjacent to Salutation Inn, encircled by Market Square on one side and Maid Marian Way / Nottingham Castle to the other side.
[Emma Richardson]
Services the centre offers can include counselling, housing support, Cams, laundry service for homeless, meals, dance and gym, workshops (for example, education, employability, LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender), Outburst, sexual health, creative arts. The centre has good links with multi-agencies such as the Police, Refuge, Social Services, Probation, Housing agencies and Children & Family centres.It basically offers a one stop shop for youth services.
As we (Emma and Nicola) began our placement, they had recently begun an Outreach programme. This includes going to schools and universities to promote the services of NGY. However in the future, it may be possible for you to attend these Outreach events.
A brochure map from the centre's literature.
This is the entrance to NGYmyplace on Castle Gate, moments away from the town hall and Market Square.
Personally, I had a brilliant experience here and very worthwhile in terms of supporting my studies -it gained me a greater insight into the practice of community perspectives in development and action.I got on so well with the staff and we used to go out socially after work. I was made to feel part of a team and never felt like an outsider. You need to show enthusiasm and be positive and maybe a bit crazy ! The nature of the work being somewhat heavy means you have to enjoy working with each other, get involved and not be shy.
An inside office scene at NGYmyplace (notice the lack of people - it was a Sunday !)
You may get to work in the following situations: shadowing in interviews, attending training courses, working within the community, help promote workshops. As the centre does not open for general access until 12pm, in the morning you will have time to complete individual university work and research whilst also completing some general admin tasks.
The working environment here is relaxed and the staff I have found to be very enthusiastic and helpful to a placement volunteer. At the end of the placement I was asked to stay on as volunteer which I am currently enjoying.
The service user catchment is predominantly Nottingham City and and reflects a diverse, multi-ethnic profile.
Food and drink are available to staff via a workplace canteen. However, it is advisable to bring your own food or go into the city centre as NGY only provide snacks and have a small supply.
There is no in house accommodation offered here. There are a number of different types of accommodation in Nottingham to suit your budget. However, I would suggest a Premier Inn (close to Nottingham Trent University) or Jury's Inn (close to train station) in Nottingham.
Premier Inn
Goldsmith Street,
Nottingham, NG1 5LT
T: 0871 527 8846
Jurys Inn Nottingham
Station Street, Nottingham, NG2 3BJ
Tel: +44 115 901 6700
Email: jurysinnnottingham@jurysinns.com
The centre is located in the heart of Nottingham city centre.
All buses can drop off to city centre from where it is a short 5 minute walk.
The train station is located nearby to the placemnent and takes about 5 -10 minutes walk. There is no in house car park available. There are meters outside on the street but can be quite expensive.
Tram service is also available and stops in Market Square, a 5 minute walk from the centre.
The best way to find out your best means of transportation is by following this link:
http://www.ngymyplace.co.uk/contact/map/
For Nottingham City Buses use:
https://www.nctx.co.uk/
Nottingham is great for its night life and is famous for its variety of social life, bars, restaurants, clubs and shopping. Nearby is Nottingham Castle and Caves experience. Galleries of Justice is worth a visit as is Nottingham Art gallery. There are some great old pubs including the 'Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem', the oldest pub in England built in 1189 and one minute's walk away from the placement is 'The Salutation Inn' - both have good ales and serve food.
This photo was taken by me at the foot of Nottingham Castle (note, not the real Robin Hood).
[Emma Richardson]
Nottingham has the National Ice Centre which also doubles up as the Capital FM Arena, host to major concerts. For good smaller live venues check out the Rescue Rooms and Rock City both adjacent to the NTU City campus Newton building.
Lots of restaurants to suit budgets including 'Kayal', a South Indian good budget restaurant, a fiver for lunchtime meal ! Upscale, there is World Service by Nottingham Castle.
Typical street scene by the Castle - in the distance you can see a well known watering hole - the Castle Pub.
Loads of good shopping include the main Victoria Shopping Centre, home to John Lewis and House of Fraser and nearby Bridlesmith Gate, one of the most dense retails streets in Europe.
Things to do, things not to do
The City is home to a diverse range of people and are generally friendly once you get to know them.
There are other attractions in Nottinghamshire such as Sherwood Forest and it is also the gateway to the Derbyshire Peak District. Nearby towns include Leicester and Newark which you may find interesting.
Nottingham has a well known high crime rate, especially in the city centre area and in and around Market Square, so do take care and be safe.
Once on placement, keep professional boundaries and remember you are there as a volunteer not a friend.
Volunteer Student Co-ordinator at NGY My Place / Bas51: Jeniesha Doyle j.doyle@base51.org.uk
Look at website and contacts link for more information.
Base51 & NGY My Place address:
29-31 Castle Gate, Nottingham NG1 7AR T. 0115 704 3411, E. info@ngymyplace.co.uk
(Emma): I arranged a visit to NGY prior to my placement to fill in some documents including my DBS (previously known as CRB check) and confirm my placement hours. The volunteer coordinator, Jeniesha, is extremely friendly and is able to cater to your personal needs when it comes to organising placement hours. The dress code for the placement follows the rule 'no bums, tums or boobs', however many items of clothing are acceptable excluding heels as you want some level of comfort if you are doing sporting activities with the young people. Before attending, go with an open mind as it is a unique placement with the opportunity to further your skills.
(Nicola): Before I started placement, I arranged a meeting with Jeniesha (Placement Coordinator) to fill in any necessary documents and confirm my hours. All of the staff were very friendly, helpful and welcoming and offered support for our university studies and research. Before you go, do not have any hesitations and ensure you partake in as many activities as possible and interact with the young people. On your first day, you will be provided with a lanyard and name badge enabling you to access all of the areas in the building. It will prove to be a worthwhile and rewarding experience.
[Emma Richardson]
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