Young people in West Midlands stigmatised based on where they live
Charity The Positive Youth Foundation says young people often face stereotypes based on their postcode.
Last updated 30th May 2024
Young people across the West Midlands are often facing prejudices based on where they live, according to a Coventry-based charity.
The Positive Youth Foundation conducted a series of workshops and consultations with 11-25-year-olds, which found some are branded lazy, anti-social, or even violent.
The research has helped shape a new campaign, called My Tomorrow, which aims to give young people a platform to challenge harmful stereotypes around age, race, class, and postcodes.
Professional boxers and brothers Kal, Gamal, and Galal Yafai, who grew up in inner-city Birmingham, have been named as the campaign’s first ambassadors. The multiple European and World title holders will be speaking at the launch event at Millenium Point, in Birmingham tonight.
Kal said: “I am 100% worried about the futures of young people, especially those from deprived areas who automatically get the blame when there’s trouble. They need much more support and it’s one thing that’s getting overlooked, which is why my brothers and I are supporting the My Tomorrow campaign.”
My Tomorrow will inspire a year-long programme of events for young people across the region, backed up by free resources and extra manpower for youth organisations and charities.
18-year-old Muj Rahman, from Coventry, said: “As a young person, I’m constantly navigating the challenges of self-discovery and life's hurdles.
“For me, My Tomorrow represents a fair chance for everyone, no matter their background. It’s about opening doors for young people and ensuring that adults take responsibility for guiding and supporting us in achieving our dreams.”
West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster, who funded the research, said: “The results of the region-wide consultation were eye-opening. Many young people feel they aren’t getting a fair start in life because of where they come from.
“This campaign is about empowering young people to influence policies affecting their lives, ensuring their voices are heard and respected. It will run for an entire year so we can make a real difference to young people’s lives and respond to their concerns around employment, violent crime and cuts to youth services.
“Fortunately, there are many people across the West Midlands who are passionate about supporting our young people, but they have also told us that staff morale is low and burnout is common, so we also want to support them by working more closely together.”
A short film, At What Cost?, which recounts the experiences of the young people who took part in the workshops will premiere at the launch event alongside a collage art series, which will tour venues across the West Midlands after the launch.
Rashid Bhayat, CEO of the Positive Youth Foundation who has led the project said: “The campaign is the beginning of the conversation that young people want to have with their communities.
"They have been incredibly brave in their honesty about what is affecting them the most, and importantly want to remind us all that they are the solution and not the problem. The My Tomorrow campaign is a critical time for us all to ensure that we not only listen to, but respond to what the young people are telling us."
Assistant Chief Constable Claire Bell said: “The My Tomorrow campaign is key to helping agencies work together to engage young people and help them to gain skills that can really take them forward in life.
“It’s a really excellent opportunity to be involved in and I’m sure will be a really positive way to give young people the chance to realise their dreams.”