The Streetmate Team needs a good quality used vehicle to continue their work with young people across Sussex. The mobile unit will be stocked with sports, craft and musical equipment for use in a range of settings to allow young people to be active, be challenged and a safe space to talk about the issues they face. Interior seating, 4G internet access, facilities for providing drinks, gazebo and / or side extension when on site, small portable stage, ultra quiet generator are just some of the things on our wishlist for this mobile unit / office / youth space. Using a common welfare van style vehicle this multi-purpose project vehicle will create opportunities for young people in communities across Sussex and double as a minibus for up to 8. Young people will be supported to help design the interior and exterior for a vehicle that will be attractive and ready to serve in a variety of communities. For this phase the key task is to purchase a suitable vehicle.

What we'll deliver:

• A mobile unit for use by the Streetmate Team
• Artwork designed by young people for the vehicle's exterior

Why it's a great idea:

Streetmate has been in existence as a project in Mid-Sussex for over 15 years operating in areas of deprivation and / or disadvantage. Our recent work has been credited with combating low-level drug use by young people on one estate, gaining feedback about the changes they want to see in their community, and supporting young people to make positive choices and getting involved in volunteering. Our Streetmate Detached Team has a range of case studies of the difference they have made in the lives of young people. Before it became too old for use the former vehicle was well-known to young people in a number of different estates. From summer projects, support at fundays and fetes, to cold dark and wet evenings the Streetmate Team have become trusted professionals able to support young people. We have a growing demand for our services and a new (er) vehicle will make a great difference to the work we can do.

Steps to get it done:

• Purchase of a new vehicle

Clarion Housing have committed £3.5K towards the purchase of a vehicle. We now need to move towards purchasing something suitable ready for the winter period. We have researched a number of vehicle types and the welfare van style is fairly common with a range of offers appearing on eBay or similar sites.