YUAF Futures provides a space where young people aged 16-19 can express themselves, explore creative career options and gain access to work experience placements. The program offers multiple creative opportunities, with the session I was in attendance for focused on podcasting. The Halley, a co-working and event space in Haggerston partners with YUAF to provide this space for young people. I started the day off by meeting Laurie Charlesworth, the YUAF Futures Programme Lead, who shared how the group got on with the first podcast recording the previous week and then talked me through the workshop brief. Soon after this, the young people arrived and we all headed into the studio.
Laurie started off the session by making sure everyone was comfortable, by getting them glasses of water, and checking in with each individual about a positive thing they encountered this week. The young people wanted to set up their phone for video recording so they had their own copy of the podcast and could use the footage for their personal profiles. The young people felt confident that they could jump straight into conversation and decided not to do any prep, bar discussing the topic beforehand. So, Laurie pressed record and the podcasting began. Over the 2 hour session, the pair spoke about an array of different topics, from their thoughts and concerns around the conflict in Palestine to how music has helped with their Mental Health.
Overall, it was inspiring to see the confidence the young pair of people were able to demonstrate throughout their conversation. This was my first session with YUAF Futures as a volunteer and seeing it in action helped me understand more about the charity and what YUAF strives to do. Having the ability to express oneself so comfortably and freely is an important trait for growth in life. It is great to know that The Halley and YUAF can provide young people with opportunities like this. The session was clearly an enjoyable and beneficial experience for young people who attended.
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