One of the Youth Forum participant who helped to organise the youth Pride event looks back on a successful event
The BANES Youth Forum, a group of young people in Bath and North East Somerset who are passionate about making positive change, held a youth Pride event last Saturday, 4 March.
We chose the Pride event as our main project for 2022-3, and worked hard for many months to plan and promote it, supported by staff from the youth wellbeing charity Off The Record.
The youth Pride event was an afternoon for local 11-18 year-olds (or 11-21s with additional needs) who identify as LGTBQ+ or as an ally to come together to celebrate their identities, to find community and to learn.
40 young people from across the county came along, and the feedback we received has been overwhelmingly positive. Many attendees reported being anxious before the event, only to report feeling relaxed by the end of it.
The event, which was completely free to attend, included:
- Workshops by The Belonging Network, Off The Record, Oasis Hub Bath and Diversity Role Models.
- Snacks.
- A photo exhibition.
- quiet room.
- An open mic.
- There was plenty of room to socialise, and even a place to put on temporary tattoos and nail varnish!
The workshops were popular, although some young people used the event as a chance to socialise and meet new people. This is another positive consequence we take pride in.
Ella, one of the Youth Forum organisers, said afterwards, “I am so incredibly proud of all of us for collectively making such an amazing event. Go Youth Forum, this is so cool and so incredible to be part of something making positive change to young people in BANES!”
The many positive feedback comments from attendees include:
“The thing I enjoyed most about this event was engaging with other queer youth and doing crafts! It gave me a lovely feeling of community.”
“Everyone was really kind and welcoming which helped me since I was really nervous before coming.”
The feedback from staff from Off The Record and other local organisations was similarly positive, for example:
“It was so great to see young people taking charge of and leading the space. Inspirational to hear from young people via the open mic and during the workshops.”
Our next focus at Youth Forum is getting new participants, and organising a youth mental health event in collaboration with other local youth groups. Please get in touch if you’re interested in getting involved!
www.offtherecord-banes.co.uk