Key Points:
- Hackney students launch a youth chatroom event at The Atria on April 9.
- Organised by Romeo Bremmer, Eyda Keles, Joseph Dixon, and Alanis Hernandez Vasques, with support from Hackney speaker Sheila Suso-Runge.
- The event aims to engage young people in community conversations and decision-making.
- 80 Hackney children and young people invited to discuss ways the council can involve them.
- The free event offers goody bags, prize draws, and refreshments.
Hackney students are taking a bold step to bridge the gap between young people and local governance. On April 9, four A-level students from Hackney are hosting a youth chatroom at The Atria, aimed at empowering local young people to have a direct say in the decisions affecting their community.
Romeo Bremmer, Eyda Keles, Joseph Dixon, and Alanis Hernandez Vasques have partnered with Hackney speaker Sheila Suso-Runge to create a space where young voices can be heard. The event will be attended by 80 local children and young people, and will feature a discussion on how Hackney Council can better engage with its younger demographic.
Why is youth engagement important in Hackney?
Romeo Bremmer, one of the event organisers, stressed the importance of involving young people in community conversations. “Most of my friends and schoolmates would love to contribute but don’t know how, so they become disengaged and apathetic,” he explained. The chatroom will provide an opportunity for young residents to actively participate in shaping the future of their community.
Joseph Dixon, another of the event organisers, echoed the sentiment, stating that the aim of the event was to answer a vital question: “How can the council get us interested and involved?” He added, “The best way for adults to know how to engage with young people is to ask them.”
What does the event include?
The free event, which is open to young Hackney residents, will be held at The Atria and will offer a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Organisers have ensured that there will be plenty of incentives to encourage attendance, including free goody bags, prize draws, and light refreshments. The event is sponsored by several local organisations, including Young LIT Stars, Perm Inc., Hackney’s IOCBYP Resident’s Board, and The Crib.
How will this event help Hackney’s young people?
This initiative highlights Hackney’s ongoing efforts to be recognised as a child-friendly borough, as declared by Mayor of Hackney, Philip Glanville. By involving young residents in decision-making and discussions about the future of their community, the event represents a crucial step toward fostering more inclusive, participatory governance. The organisers hope that by creating this platform, young people in Hackney will feel more connected to their local area and empowered to share their ideas for improvement.
The event promises to be a major opportunity for young Hackney residents to engage with each other and with local leaders, contributing to the vibrant future of their borough.
