|
|
By Serena Asante |
|
Da Big Freeze was a huge ice skating event organised by Hold it Down, which took place on 28, June 2008. The purpose of the event was to unite the young people in Hackney and talk about the worries they face in today’s society. They could discuss the issue of living and going to school in Hackney.
Young people also talked about how crime can affect young people. Da Big Freeze was a fun event with a serious purpose. The event was for all ages and abilities. Bashment, Hip-Hop, R‘n’B and grime were played by Energy FM’s DJ Gangster Kid. Prizes were given out as well as free food and drink. |
Research was done by an organisation called CityZEN. They used surveys to find out what the youth of Hackney want to do with their lives. The information from the survey will be given to the Chief Executive of Hackney council who will use the research to see how they can better support young people in the borough.
365 people turned up to the event, they enjoyed it so much they wandered why more events weren’t organised. Hold it Down suggested the youth should give them ideas for events they would be interested in attending. Overall, Da Big Freeze wasn’t only an enjoyable event, it was also a useful event for the youth.
Councillor Ian Rathbone, the Speaker of Hackney, attended the event and said: “I really enjoyed the event, it was excellent to see so many young people from Hackney come together, enjoy themselves peacefully and show a real pride in their borough. Young people can enjoy themselves without causing problems to others. And I found politeness and respect from them.
Events like this help to give our young people an opportunity to say what’s on their mind and have a good time. Organisers Hold it Down, which I understand is a voluntary and community sector project led by young people and managed by HCVS, showed just how effective community led projects are at reaching those young people labelled hard to reach.
I take my hat off to them and their hard work. It is important to listen to what young people have to say, if we are to effectively change things for them - and for ourselves."
The results of our research will be available shortly on our website and the HCVS email service. To sign up to the HCVS Information Service, please email Gillian Trevethan at gillian@hcvs.org.uk
By Serena Asante, above left, on work experience at HCVS from Our Lady’s Convent High School
 Click here to find out more about Youth Futures and Hold it Down who organised this event
|