The Basis of Young People Insight: Empowering Youth Voice

Empowering the voices of young people is vital in a time when it feels as if their say means nothing. There are young individuals who will give up on trying to have their say altogether, going along with what they are told or staying in the box they've been put into, but hating it all …

Embracing His Calling: Reece’s Story

When I asked Reece Thompson if he had always wanted to be an artist, his response was, "I had no choice.  I tried to get away but my hand is attracted to paintbrushes like banks to cheques and teenagers to phones." I met Reece, 24, the straightforward young man who has a beautiful way with …

Matthew Don continues to make moves to pursue his dream

Last year, 21-year-old Croydon native, Matthew Don, was preparing to play college basketball at Cameron University in the United States.  Now, he is preparing to play professional basketball in Spain, making yet another move on the journey to make his dreams come true. Matthew played the position of Power Forward/Center during his year at Cameron …

The Inspirational Legacy of Lauren Hill

Today I watched the tribute to college basketball player, Lauren Hill, from the 2015 ESPY Awards, and it was beautiful.  I cried as I was reminded of the amazing courage this young woman showed in the face of adversity and how she made a big difference in the world in such a short space of …

Making the move to pursue his dream: Matthew’s Story

With the USA College Basketball Season set to tip-off this week, there is no better time to shine the spotlight on a talented young man who is pursuing his dream of playing in the NBA. Matthew Don is a 21-year-old London native, who grew up in Croydon.  Growing up in Croydon was a "fun" experience …

Creative Futures Programme Day 20: Getting Out There

The Creative Futures team continued the in-depth preparations for Positive Summer Vibes, as the day draws nearer and nearer.  We discussed the debate segment of the day, started to assign the necessary job roles and made a promotional plan for the upcoming week. Most of the individuals for the debate panels have been decided upon …