Barefoot began working with Plymouth communities in 1996 and has since grown and become well known and trusted across the city.  The charity was founded by David Oddie OBE with the hope of creating a bigger programme of arts opportunities for young people in Plymouth. We work in true partnership with other organisations and the groups we provide for, ensuring maximum support and benefit to all involved. The small Barefoot team of two full-time and one part-time members of staff is supported by a diverse and supportive board of trustee

Barefoot is also supported by a team of volunteers from the University of St Mark and St John and the wider community, helping with activities and events throughout the year. With a common goal of providing inclusive opportunities for everyone, the Barefoot team work tirelessly to bring people together to share positive experiences, helping to create stronger communities. 

Vision

Barefoot sees creative activities as the key way to bring people together to share achievement, learn skills and strengthen their sense of community.  We particularly want to work with those who are, or feel, marginalised or excluded, delivering this by creating and managing inclusive projects and events, working in partnership with education and community organisations and employing local practitioners.

Legal Identity, Funders and Partners

Barefoot is a registered charity (no 1062887) and a not-for-profit public company (no 3245163) limited by guarantee. It is governed by a Board of Trustees.

We are based at and generously supported in terms of accommodation and infrastructure by the University of St Mark and St John.

Barefoot has developed a wide network of partners encompassing the education, arts, youth, Local Authority, community, diversity, regeneration, social care, heritage, volunteering, sport, business, reconciliation and youth offending prevention sectors. Along with the majority of Plymouth schools and children’s centres these organisations and institutions include: the University of St Mark and St John, Plymouth University, Plymouth College of Art, City College Plymouth, Plymouth Arts Centre, Flameworks, Plymouth Music Zone, Plymouth Musician’s Collective, Barbican Theatre, Stiltskin, FotoNow, All Stars Theatre Company, Plymouth City Council Children’s Trust, Plymouth Youth Music Service, Plymouth City Council Youth Service, City Events, Plymouth NHS Trust, Plymouth Museum and Art Gallery, Plymouth Visual Arts Consortium, HOPES, Affinity Sutton Housing Association, Plymouth Play Association, Plymouth Guild, Keyham Green Places, Mutley Greenbank Trust, Plymouth and District Racial Equality Council, Hamoaze House, Plymouth Sports Academy, The National Trust, Indra Congress, Waterstones Bookshops, Youth Offending Service.

Funders

We are based at and generously supported by the University of St Mark and St John. We seek funding from various different trusts, foundations and organisations to manage creative projects and programmes of work. Previous and current funders include;

Affinity Sutton Housing Association

Aim Higher

Arts Council England

Awards for All

Baily Thomas Charitable Fund

Big Lottery

Calouste Gulbenkian

The Claire Milne Trust

Department for Business, Skills and Innovation

Devonport Regeneration Community Partnership

Home Office Crime Innovation Fund

Keepmoat Fund

The Millfields Trust

The Norman Family

Paul Hamlyn Foundation

Plymouth City Council

Plymouth Drake Foundation Trinity House Fund

Plymouth and District Racial Equality Council

Many thanks to all of those who have funded and supported Barefoot projects.