Young volunteers from across Netherfield joined forces over the weekend of 18th & 19th March to take place in a Graffiti Art event at the local shops. The event was arranged by the People’s Health Trust Local Conversation project, to raise awareness that Netherfield has been allocated some funding through the Health Lottery, and needs to engage with residents to identify priorities at a local level. There is especially a need for young people to have their voices heard.
The young volunteer artists were supported across the weekend by local organisations including Community Action: MK, Freestyle Textile & Kitchenware, Woughton Community Council, PHT, UFA and a local Graffiti artist (Squidge) from PlayStreet.
On the Saturday there was a design workshop where young people worked together to create potential designs, as well as some other fun activities for all. Young people learnt about wider volunteering opportunities and were boosted by the arrival of pizzas (thanks to Cheska from UFA who provide NCS (National Citizen Service) in Milton Keynes.
On the Sunday the team met at the shops where they had been given permission by Irene to paint their design on to her shop security shutter. Thanks Irene! Under Squidge’s expert guidance the volunteers were quick to pick up the various skills and techniques needed, and really impressed passers by with their handiwork. Local shoppers who stopped to admire the artwork helped us to fill in questionnaires, which gave Netherfield people a chance to talk about what they like/dislike about living in Netherfield and identify something that they would like to improve.
Irene was thrilled with the finished piece, and everyone agreed that the event had been a great success. However, despite collecting lots of ideas from local residents, the PHT are really anxious to hear from more Netherfield folk. In particular, we would like Young People to have an opportunity to see their ideas become reality. If you are a young person who wants to get involved to make a difference in Netherfield then contact Stewart Ikin at stewart@communityactionmk.org to find out more information.
