Rio Ferdinand Foundation & White Ribbon NI partnered as part of the Hope Collective #HopeHack in Luton last year that explored the EVAWG issue with young people , but this was our first chance to meet in person.
Really interesting conversation exploring how poverty, changing cultural norms and role modelling have an impact, and in an NI context the legacy of conflict and generational trauma on communities and families - something that I have seen in some of my international work as well.
Tahnee and her team are doing some great work in some very challenging environments including prisons as well as schools and sports clubs and are supporting organisations to think about how they influence the way young people, and especially young men perceive and act in this space, and how to respond effectively.
It got me thinking about how sport and culture can play a part and how I can apply some of the learning and programmes on the work we do in young people’s personal development and personal journeys.
As our team on the ground at Rio Ferdinand Foundation work with young people in a holistic way to support their personal development we will be exploring how we can work together with White Ribbon NI on some collaborative programmes.
But more than delivering programmes it also left me convinced that’s it’s only by working together we can join all the dots and find solutions.
Partnership is key.