How Voluntary and Community Action Trafford stepped in with desks, chairs and other office essentials, helping the GVO Safe Spaces set up.
GVO Safe Spaces CIC began with a simple principle: Good Vibes Only. What started as informal youth sessions has grown into a youth-led organisation working with 10 to 25-year-olds across North Trafford.
Through music, mentoring, creative arts and community programmes, GVO creates opportunities for young people to develop their skills and build confidence. Its work also includes pathways into entrepreneurship through initiatives such as Makers Markets, alongside co-produced films and theatre that address issues including child criminal exploitation and youth violence.
As the organisation grew, so did its need for a permanent base. Director of GVO Spaces, Anthea Cribbin had a vision for a headquarters where young people could meet, take part in activities and develop new ideas. To make that possible, GVO needed furniture to equip the space.
Support when it mattered
GVO found an offer from Voluntary and Community Action Trafford (VCAT) on Match My Project. The organisation was making office furniture available free of charge to Trafford non-profits as it cleared its shared workspace.
With a tight deadline to get the new CIC established, the offer came at the right time.
The support exceeded what GVO had expected. Reflecting on the experience, Anthea Cribbin said,
“Above and beyond to help our new small CIC in a tight time frame. 100% happy and then some. Got more support than planned.”
She also praised David’s communication throughout the process, describing him as “worth his weight in gold”.
Passing support on to another organisation
VCAT has provided shared office space for young and start-up charities across Trafford since 2000. Its work helps voluntary organisations access the facilities and support they need as they establish themselves.
The furniture offer reflects that wider commitment. VCAT understands the challenges smaller organisations face when getting started. Now, it is helping another organisation take an important step towards establishing its own base.
Anthea recognised the value of that connection,
“It’s a beautiful thing when one bigger not-for-profit organisation can help a new small one. Grateful there are humans in the world just like David from VCAT.”
A space for what comes next
Desks, chairs and filing cabinets may seem like basic essentials, but they can make a real difference to a new organisation working to establish a permanent home.
With VCAT’s support, GVO Safe Spaces has been able to furnish its headquarters and take another step towards creating a space where young people across North Trafford can meet, learn and develop their ideas.
About Match My Project
Match My Project connects businesses with community organisations and residents to help deliver Social Value in local communities. Adding a project takes around eight minutes. To find out more, contact hello@matchmyproject.org.
