One hundred local young people had the chance to have their voices heard by policymakers after they took part in a workshop in Peckham.
The event – known as a ‘Hope Hack’ – gives young people an opportunity to share their views and opinions on how to create a more equal and fairer society.
Hope Hacks are taken across the UK and are delivered by organisations – including the Damilola Taylor Trust and the Rio Ferdinand Foundation – in partnership with Violence Reduction Units (VRUs).
Last Sunday (December 10), 100 young people aged 15-25 participated in the day-long workshop at Mountview Theatre in Peckham, which organisers said ‘brought Damilola Taylor’s legacy home.’
Participants took part in various workshops to discuss the issues that matter most, including community safety and mental health, housing, transport and the environment, education and youth services, the arts, music, and social media.
They made maps and explained their views – such as around repair issues in council homes and a lack of employment opportunities for young people.
Their feedback and presentations were captured by researchers and mapped against key issues such as health, housing and community safety.
These findings, alongside the 22 other ‘Hope Hack’ events across the UK will inform the Re-imagine report which will be delivered to the UK government and regional authorities in April 2024.
Last week’s event was hosted by author and self-proclaimed ‘Peckham Boy’ Kenny Imafidon, who recently wrote a book on his life after he was accused of a murder he didn’t commit.
As well as now running a successful business, Kenny has said his goal is to help young people – young men in particular – to ‘fulfil their potential’ regardless of circumstances.
Supported by NCS, the Rio Ferdinand Foundation, and the Damilola Taylor Trust, the Hope Collective organised the Peckham workshop.
Richard Taylor founded the Damilola Taylor Trust after his son was killed in 2000 in Peckham when he was just 10 years old.
On joining the Hope Collective he said: “The Hope Collective started as a legacy campaign in 2020 and has grown into something far more impactful than we could ever have imagined.
“I am so grateful to all the organisations that join forces to make the Hope hacks so successful and I’m especially proud of the role Rio’s foundation plays given his support of the Damilola Taylor Trust from the beginning.”
The event concluded with a performance from the Gospel Choir.
Peckham Hope Hack was sponsored by Berkeley Homes.