By Fay Pretty | PeaceJam UK Coordinator & Youth Team Leader
With the amazing support of our GlobalGiving Donors, we have been able to host our second PeaceJam Slam in Leeds at the CATCH Youth Centre! On the 16th of September youth from across Bradford and Leeds gathered for a day of near-peer mentoring sessions, workshops, and peace activities.
This year, the theme of the event was HOPE: Helping Others, Promoting Encouragement. Chosen by the youth at CATCH, the theme was broken down into key areas and actions they wanted to engage with at the Slam:
“At PeaceJam, I engaged in various activities aimed at promoting a sense of community and personal growth among the youth. Throughout the day, I forged new friendships with like-minded individuals and took part in workshops that emphasized the importance of discouraging drug use among young people. The event also provided us with delicious meals, including breakfast and lunch, which fostered a welcoming and inclusive environment. In addition, I participated in a variety of workshops designed to help improve essential skills such as writing and creativity. Overall, Peace Jam was an incredible opportunity that allowed me to connect with others, develop valuable life skills, and engage in meaningful discussions about creating a brighter future for our generation.” Male participant.
Harehills, Leeds, where CATCH is located, has high levels of poverty with 74.2% of households deprived in at least one dimension according to the 2021 census, and in the last few years this has been further impacted by the ‘Cost of Living Crisis’. It has also gained national media attention this year for the rioting that took place on the 18th of July 2024. The violence began in the Leeds suburb after rumours spread about the treatment of four children being taken into care, which grew to approximately 300 to 400 people on the street and a double-decker bus being set on fire.
This is not the first time that Harehills has experienced rioting but once again youth have been impacted by division in their community and a larger negative narrative of the area’s inhabitants being nationally enforced. When, alternatively to a lot of what has been reported, youth have been creating sustainable positive change in this Harehills community and have the potential to do so much more with the continued support of local volunteers, youth workers and vital donors such as yourself.
After the success of our first PeaceJam Slam at CATCH in November 2023, youth from CATCH were a driving force in what was featured at the Slam this year, creating an event led by youth for youth. Additionally, as a direct result of the 2023 Slam, a weekly ‘Peace Group’ has been set up at the centre, which brings in different inspirational speakers, facilitates discussions around peace and empowers youth to take action where needed.
At our 2024 Slam, youth were able to choose between a variety of workshops including a Young Journalist Workshop run by a local journalist and a Hidden Disability Workshop run by a member of our PeaceJam UK Youth Team, Chloe. Chloe has been creating and running her Hidden Disability Workshop to much success as part of her Youth Team Social Action Project.
"Accessibility remains a barrier for many members of society, including those with hidden disabilities, which are often misunderstood largely due to a lack of awareness. As a neurodivergent and chronically ill person, I have experienced these barriers firsthand, and have become passionate about accessibility education. This workshop aims for students to create draft campaigns to advocate for hidden disabilities, whether this focuses on a specific aspect of hidden disabilities, a specific access need or accessibility in a specific venue. Initiating conversations about disabilities is often the first step in improving accessibility and inclusivity.” Chloe.
Many participants in her workshops have been able to identify with Chloe’s experience and, at the Leeds Slam, youth were inspired to create a role-play scenario, as well as posters and presentations of their own to share with their peers.
Harnessing the powerful connection between near-peer positive role models and youth is essential in building confidence and empowering our participants. Thank you for making this possible.
“The whole event gave me a deeper understanding of how important it is to support others. I had a great time and loved the sense of community everyone had, especially the mentors and staff. Overall, I felt so welcomed and it was a really fun and meaningful day. I'd love to take part again and would definitely recommend it to all young people that are interested!” Female participant.
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