University News Last updated 18 November
Two Birmingham teenagers say Birmingham City University’s (BCU) National Saturday Club has encouraged them to turn their passion into their future.
Sophie Owen and Orla Kelly, both 16, are now studying fashion at college after taking part in BCU’s Craft&Making Saturday Club earlier this year.
Orla said the skills she learnt there meant she started her college studies feeling confident: “The Club made me realise I could actually turn fashion into a career, not just a hobby.
“I learned so much from everyone at the Club, and it was the perfect place to try new things. It was a fun break from school but still a chance to learn something new.”
“My dream is to have my own fashion label one day, as big as Prada or Gucci!”
The National Saturday Club is returning to BCU for its third year, with young people able to work alongside lecturers from the Schools of Jewellery, Fashion and Textiles.
Sophie said: “The lecturers showed me that there’s no right or wrong in fashion, and you can always start fresh if something doesn’t work out.”
“I’ve always loved designing clothes, but the Club really made me feel sure that studying fashion is the right path for me.”
BCU’s Craft&Making Saturday Club has an ethos of Make, Do & Mend to promote sustainability. It makes use of donated materials so young people learn how to up-cycle and repair, rather than buy new. But it also does much more than that.
“This Club gives young people in Birmingham a space outside of school where they’re not judged or graded,” said Victoria Coutts, Lecturer in MA Fashion Media at BCU, and the University’s Craft&Making Saturday Club lead.
“Instead, they have an opportunity to be creative and experiment. They can have a go at new skills and find a real talent or love, which they can take into their further education or careers.
“I’ve loved seeing young people connect with others across the city who they would never normally meet because they’re in different schools or communities. Our Club doesn’t just teach kids to get creative. It broadens their social skills and confidence. It opens up their worlds.”
As part of its new strategy – ‘Rooted in Birmingham, Reaching Beyond’ - BCU wants to be a real advocate for ‘Powering Prosperity’, to drive major change in the city through community projects and programmes. The National Saturday Club does just that.
BCU’s Craft&Making Saturday Club will run on for 19 sessions between 30 November 2024 - 17 May 2025 at the Parkside Building and Birmingham Botanical Gardens for children aged 13-16.
Those who take part will also have their work exhibited at BCU and in the National Saturday Club exhibition at Somerset House in London.
Head online to find out more about BCU’s National Saturday Club and to sign up to the next course.
Photo: Birmingham City University exhibition during National Saturday Club Summer Show at Somerset House.
Credit: National Saturday Club