
What is #MERCH?

From August - October 2023 Havering young people cdropped into the Hope Café in Romford to learn how to brand, make, and customize merchandise to sell. Led by professional artists and designers, these chilled out sessions aimed to bring together creative and ‘switched on’ young people with that Alan Sugar spirit. There were also opportunities to Jam with other young musicians too.
​
Created by The NO Collective in collaboration with Havering Youth Services and Ahava (Hope Café), these sessions catalyzed entrepreneurship in young people to promote alternative creative careers. It also introduced young people to professional making techniques, such as mug and bag printing, and clothes customization. The Jam sessions were led by local young music company Vari Music Productions with support of The Hermit Youth Club.
Some of the items made during the sessions were then sold on Romford Market alongside their makers as an event to raise money for more positive youth activities in the town, under a Romford BID marquee. Products were also sold in various locations at The Mercury Shopping Centre too!
​
Natalie Bays, co-founder of The NO Collective says:
​
“Growing up in Romford it has always felt like a normal thing to start a business, especially one in retail as we are surrounded by small businesses and sole traders – so why not start a creative retail collective? Places like the Market are unique because you can ‘try out’ selling without such a huge risk. By supporting young people to have a go at making things to sell, we could possibly be creating Romford’s next big brand; and either way we have taught some new transferable skills!”
.png)

The programme, which will also saw a creative enterprise short course in September for those who wanted to learn more, was supported by local arts programme ‘Havering Changing’ who are funded by Arts Council England to engage more people in creative activity. Being creative and making is good for your health and wellbeing, so the course aims to promote art and design as a great way to keep a healthy mind.
All DATES:
MERCH | #DropIn
Hope Cafe | Romford Market
30th August
31st August
1st September
SHOP | #Dropin Collection
Romford Market
9th September
MERCH | #BookIn
Hope Cafe | Romford Market
Book in for these sessions by clicking here.
4pm - 7pm
12th September
19th September
26th September
SHOP | #Book Collection
The Mercury | Romford
Book in for lino print activity by clicking here.
10am - 4pm
23rd September
MERCH After Party| Shop Whole
CollectionParty with Live Music & Art
Hope Cafe | Romford
Book Free Tickets Above
or £5.00 on the door
6.30pm - 10.30pm
Saturday 7th October

