Get Involved week was kicked off to a great start earlier this month by Hackney Homes residents. Over 150 young people came out to share their experiences and explore the activities and interactive workshops that were held at Urswick School.
A host of interactive workshops added to the excitement of the day. On offer included an 'X Factor styled' video booth; which asked visitors to share their views on living in Hackney and of the services provided by Hackney Homes, a youth led photography workshop; in which visitors took part in a VIP photo shoot and were gifted with a giveaway photo and a free massage clinic.
Exhibitors included representatives from Skyway, Interlinks' Cycle Club, Hackney Homes Estate Safety Team, The Youth Engagement Project and Rising Tide, who offered information and advice around key issues for young people.
Also on display at the event was a reflective exhibition, portraying the work of the Studio Photographic Project course trainees'.
Photography trainee David Adesanya passionately declared:
"I had an interest in art and a general idea about photography, but this course has taught me photography techniques such as combining images and studio lighting techniques which I can take away".
The photographic project delivered by Hackney Homes and Rising Tide Youth Engagement Project in partnership with photographer Julien Creff reveals the untapped creativity and expression of the boroughs young people.
Neehara Wijeyesekera Divisional Head of Tenancy & Leasehold Services said:
"This project has been instrumental in engaging with our young people. We are pleased to offer this course to train our young residents and delighted with the legacy which will be captured".
Youth Coordinator, Sonia Bradley said: "We are pleased with the success of our very first Hackney Homes Youth Involvement Day and the support received from local partners and young people in making the day a success. We hope that young people not only had fun on the day, trying out some of the free activities, but also took the opportunity to register for the apprenticeships and Olympic job opportunities on offer."