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Youth Workers

Social Action & Social Media Session With WECIL

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On Wednesday the 9th of November, WECIL came to Knowle West Media Centre for the first of two sessions focusing on Social Action and Social Media. The aim of the first session was to introduce the cohort to the space and dive into the world of Social Action; exploring the group’s passions and concerns about their local area and society while learning about previous strategies used to promote positive change. Through interactive discussions and activities, the group narrowed down their focus and decided on a topic that they would each like to research and plan a way to start turning their social concerns into actions.

On the 23rd of November, WECIL returned to KWMC to continue with the second part of their workshop. This time they were looking at how they could use social media to promote the social action plans they wanted to communicate. The group learned new information regarding social media platforms and audiences whilst picking up skills such as designing social assets on Canva.

From this point, their social media posts were starting to form. With text and assets at the ready, the group was able to post what they had created readying them for creating content and posting outside of the workshop.

We had a blast running this workshop for WECIL and we hope with all they have gained, they can spread those all-important messages far and wide!

Amplifying Local Young People’s Voices over a Cuppa’

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The Knowle West Media Centre‘s young people’s team hosted their first Tea and Coffee morning this January.

The event was set up to be an open space for anyone working in the local area to come along and find out what people are up to, shout about any amazing opportunities other organisations have coming up, and chat more about how best we can support local young people. Plus, it wouldn’t be right without a cuppa and some biscuits.

We were joined by Robins Foundation, Unique Voice, Youth Moves, and a local illustrator.

I thought I would take the opportunity to talk about how the morning went so you can get an idea of what we’re up to and hopefully, join us for a cuppa at the next one.

We started off with some informal introductions to find out what we all do, what ages we work with, and what areas we work in.

We had some flip chart paper set up with some questions, that we thought were of interest to those working in the area, and it was a great way to get the conversations flowing!

Here are the notes that were made around the topics we chatted about: 

Firstly, on ‘What works well when working with young people in Knowle West / South Bristol?‘

  • Having a “logo” to that young people know who we are
  • One-to-one approaches
  • Being reactive

‘How can we best support each other and others working with young people in the area?’

  • Advertise sessions in local schools
  • Combine the ‘Youth Council’ from Robins, KWMC, Youth Moves and Youth Voice
  • Sit with young people, sign-post, and sign-up to other services directly with them
  • Networking and finding out what is on
  • Attending sessions with young people

‘What areas do you work in?‘

  • Filwood
  • Hartcliffe
  • SBSC
  • Stockwood
  • Knowle West

‘What do we want to improve when working with young people in 2022?’

  • Asking young people what they want and need, before delivering it collaboratively
  • Not losing contact if they go quiet
  • Transport
  • Access
  • Engagement
  • Youth Zone to have more collaboration and have other organisations working alongside Youth Moves
  • Mobile Skate Park with KWMC Blocks

‘What would you like to start asking young people, so youth voice is at the forefront of what we do?’

  • Youth Council socials so young people can get together to discuss what is important
  • ‘How can we collaborate more?’

After these discussions, we spent some time highlighting some projects that were happening (My Future Self – Unique Voice, Primary Holiday Programmes, Future Legacy Project, and FAMBALL) and what training we have found useful (Gaming Training, Mental Health and Wellbeing Resilience and Mental Health First Aid).

Clara leading a group of young women and non-binary people in our 2021 Future Legacy Project retreat.

Finally, KWMC used the opportunity to highlight Eight Creative Agency and the work they do for young, emerging creatives (18-30).

A photo of an artist performing at a Sound Wave event, ran by Jump Studios and filmed by Eight Creative Agency.

These conversations proved invaluable and really got us excited about looking ahead to the potential of a bi-monthly meetup that can bring together South Bristol services that are working for young people, in order to amplify their voices.

If you would be interested in coming to an event like this then the next one will be on the 24th of March from 9.30 – 11.30 am at Knowle West Media Centre.

This month, we are going to be focusing on youth voice and how we can bring youth councils in the area together to amplify young people’s voices in decision-making in South Bristol.

If you are working nearby as part of an organisation, a freelancer, part of the council or you would like to lend an ear to find out more about how we aim to support South Bristol young people collectively, please get in touch by emailing clara@kwmc.org.uk and we will be happy to welcome and accommodate you at our event.