What BMBF do

The Big Objectives set out BMBF's aims for the year.

The SBC Correspondents

Stockton International Riverside Festival (SIRF)

Every year we give our online audience an overview of dozens of events, in multiple locations, at the Stockton International Riverside Festival (SIRF).

The SBC Correspondents are an army of young people who attend the events of SIRF and take photographs, video footage and interviews of everything that goes on and share it on social media. We always have an amazing time equipped with hoodies, iPads and access-all-area passes.

SBC Correspondents don't just cover SIRF, there are loads of events to get involved in including:

• firework displays
• car rallies
• Christmas markets

Join the team to learn new skills and interview the people behind the Borough's biggest events.

Events

Secret Sound Music Events

We organise and host our own music night for young people at the Georgian Theatre. BMBF are involved in:

• recruiting artists 
• selling tickets
• advertising and promotion
• hosting

All funds raised are invested back into young people projects and events.

Takeover Day

Every year as part of the National Takeover Day, the Council opens its doors to members of BMBF to take over departments and services for a unique opportunity to find out more about what your local Council does.

Question Time

Organised and hosted by BMBF, Question Time events give young people from all over the Borough the opportunity to ask those in power questions on a range of topics.

Panel members include local MPs, Police Chief Constables and Local Ward Councillors. If you or your school are interested in hosting a Question Time event, contact us. 

Social Action

BMBF are always looking at ways that young people can get involved in activities or projects that give back to the community. 

Allotments

BMBF have their own allotment and work with local organisations to grow produce to give to local food banks.

The group work closely with Cultivate Tees Valley to develop growing and environmental spaces for young people. This brilliant initiative was even recognised by Blue Peter who visited Cultivate and BMBF to find out more as part of their Comic Relief coverage in March 2021.

Norton Green Project

Developing their aims for a greener Borough, BMBF has joined forces with Cultivate Tees Valley, The Forge and St Michael and All Angels Church to form a very special eco partnership, The Norton Green Project. The project is committed to help children, young people and the rest of the community in Norton protect the environment.

So far the project has launched many green initiatives including giving schools 'eco boxes' filled with environmental activities, resources and information, and awarding badges to those doing green work across Norton. 

BMBF Approved

BMBF Approved rates local businesses and venues on how accessible and welcoming they are for young people.

BMBF Approved is also awarded to businesses that are eco-friendly. For example, if they are committed to improving the environment or effectively recycling.

All inspections are carried out by young people, with businesses receiving a certificate and sticker to be displayed in their window. 

Social media and campaigns

BMBF run all their own social media and there are loads of ways to get involved, from taking insta-worthy photos to making videos for TikTok.

We post about the latest issues for young people as well as tips on how to navigate them including:

• mental health
• Coronavirus
• tips for exams 

BMBF can give you the opportunity to help run a social media account, reach our audience of young people and make a difference.

Using information from the Make You Mark scheme and listening to what is important to young people, BMBF also campaign and raise awareness of  key issues with Local Ward Councillors, Members of Parliament and Heads of Service at the Council.