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01/12/2011
Four months since the London riots, environmental regeneration charity Groundwork London has announced details of a new project funded by Marks & Spencer to help rebuild community spirit in Peckham.
The project, named ‘Our Voice’, will engage with local youngsters between the ages of 12 and 19 from Southwark and encourage them to use their talent to promote positive messages about themselves and their area. From the second week of December, the group will meet weekly at Groundwork’s purpose built Hub Music Studio to learn song writing, poetry and film and music production.
Those involved will work towards a live performance that will be staged at a local venue in April 2012. While showcasing their talents to the community, the group will seek to understand and explain the issues that led to the summer riots in Southwark. It is hoped the project will challenge some of the misconceptions regarding the riots and highlight how young people play an active role in the community, ultimately sharing their hopes and aspirations for their future.
Groundwork London’s Youth Manager, Shabaz Ferozdin, said: “Through 'Our Voice', we are giving young people a platform to articulate positive messages about themselves and the community in which they live. Many young people feel their generation was unfairly portrayed during the riots. Groundwork’s aim is to highlight the positive work local young people are doing and bring the community together through music.”
Adam Elman, Head of Plan A Delivery at Marks & Spencer, said: “As well as physical damage and financial loss, the London riots have damaged community spirit in many London regions. M&S is working alongside Groundwork to support the worst affected areas with the aim of helping them to rebuild a positive sense of community.” The project is funded by a grant from M&S aimed at rebuilding the community in specific areas that were badly affected by the riots, Peckham being one of them. It is part of the retailer’s commitment to Plan A, the organisation’s eco and ethical programme.
