logo
Podcast festival in Ipswich to help give young people a voice

Podcast festival in Ipswich to help give young people a voice

BBC News4 days ago
Young people are being asked how to make their town better as part of a new music, dance and podcast festival.It is happening at DanceEast in Ipswich on 7 August and follows a series of pop-up chat shows staged in empty shops, focusing on men's mental health.Filmmaker Sarah Tieck, who shares work on her This is Ipswich Instagram account, is working with poet and promoter Raph Adom, who puts on events under the brand Scripted Development.Ms Tieck said: "We don't have the answers but we're looking to get the questions from young people about what Ipswich could be doing better for them. Why aren't they coming into the town?"
The event will include live music and dance performances, along with a panel discussion with questions from young people aged 18-25 about what they would like to see in the town.The event will be filmed and shared on social media.Raph Adom told BBC Radio Suffolk: "We grow up and we forget what it's like to be a teenager. "A lot of the time youngsters just want to hang out. They don't even want a purpose at that point in time, they just want to hang out and allow it all to hang out. "So I want the elders of any community to understand that it's okay for youngsters just to be youngsters, even if they are sitting in a square on their phones, don't demonize them."
Ms Tieck said: "I grew up in Shotley Gate, so I wish I knew more what was happening in the town [Ipswich] that I could actually get involved in, because I was a bit scared of going into town as a youngster. "I remember being 13 and going on the bus for the first time, but I was just going to McDonald's and just sitting on the town steps and stuff, you know. "Ipswich is one of those places where there's so much happening, but it doesn't smack you in the face, it's not advertised."It's not even advertised to the different council estates in the town, let alone the outside areas like Shotley."
Getting young voices heard
Other ways for young people to share their views in Suffolk include:The #iwill movement have held hackathon events in Ipswich for 10 to 21-year-olds, as part of engagement work by the charity Volunteering Matters.Previously there has been a Suffolk Youth Parliament and there is currently the Suffolk Youth Forum, part of the Children and Young People's Services at Suffolk County Council.East Suffolk Council has a Youth Voice programme.The group Community Hub Ipswich (Chip) has also run informal youth forums.
Follow Suffolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Jay-Z teams up with Caesars and SL Green to bid for huge Times Square Casino project
Jay-Z teams up with Caesars and SL Green to bid for huge Times Square Casino project

The Sun

timean hour ago

  • The Sun

Jay-Z teams up with Caesars and SL Green to bid for huge Times Square Casino project

MEGASTAR JAY-Z joined forces with some of the biggest names in the casino business, looking to pitch a Caesars Palace Times Square casino project in New York. The rapper - real name Shawn Carter - was among several attendees to sit in front of the Community Advisory Committee (CAC) and bid for one of three $500 million downstate licenses. 1 The Roc Nation co-founder was representing a partnership alongside Caesars Palace and SL Green Properties and pledged $250million in benefits to the community as part of their pitch to convert an existing office on Broadway. They face stiff competition though with EIGHT applications in total having been submitted to the New York State Gaming Commission. Jay-Z, who grew up in Brooklyn, says the location was "perfect" for the partnership group and says the introduction of a casino resort would only "fulfil and enhance" the area, which he likened to huge landmarks around the world. The 150,000-square-foot gambling hall would boast 1000 casino rooms, a Caesars Sportsbook, four restaurants associated with high-profile chefs and a spa. Concerns over the venue becoming the main attraction to Broadway have been rebuffed by the entrepreneur, who insists they would only act as an 'additive' to a tourist spot which entices over 50 million tourists per year. During the presentation, Jay-Z said: "It's our chance to change the narrative and create something all around the world. "If we treat Times Square with the love and the attention that it requires, it can fulfill its promise. 'This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, I believe, to support something that's homegrown. 'As we hear a lot of talk about community, we are the community. We're from this community. 'We're not coming to compete with Broadway. We're coming to be additive. "Anything that we've done in the past, we've always included the community. We've never excluded the community.' The group's proposition also indicated a forecasted $7 billion in direct tax revenue and $26.7 billion in local economic activity in the first 10 years. Roc Nation also stated they'd supported more than five million people with social impacts worth more than $78 million. More than 3,000 construction jobs would be created as a result if they were awarded a license, and the 3,800 permanent jobs it would create would be 'mostly filled by New Yorkers'. Remember to gamble responsibly A responsible gambler is someone who: For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.

American living in the UK visits Poundland for the first time - but has one major criticism
American living in the UK visits Poundland for the first time - but has one major criticism

Daily Mail​

time2 hours ago

  • Daily Mail​

American living in the UK visits Poundland for the first time - but has one major criticism

An American who is living in the UK visited Poundland for the first time but he had one major criticism. Kobie Jordan, who is from the US but now living in London, took to his TikTok @kjordyyy to share a video of himself touring the popular British discount chain. However as he browsed the aisles, he was confused by the range of prices on items, despite the store's name suggesting a flat £1 cost. In the clip, which racked up 44,000 views, he said: 'It's automatically giving me Dollar General vibes. But the things aren't a pound, which is kind of crazy. I'm seeing £3.' UK-based social media users were quick to point out that while the store originally sold everything for £1, its pricing model has changed over the years due to inflation. One person said: 'When it first opened, everything was a pound. Then lockdown happened!' Another added: 'It used to literally be everything £1 now it's just a pointless shop full of stuff that's not £1.' But it wasn't just the pricing that raised questions. Kobie also had a cheeky take on the name itself, hinting that Poundland carries a very different, and much more risqué, connotation back in the US. 'They couldn't choose a different name besides Poundland? Poundland, really? UK... at least it's not called Pound Town,' he joked in the video. He even captioned the clip: 'Not a bad store... but the name is a bit sus.' Despite the eyebrow-raising branding, Kobie was surprisingly impressed by the store itself. He said: 'It's giving like a low key mini Walmart,' before adding, 'I'll be honest, most dollar stores back in the States are kind of like dirty, dingy... but there's something so clean and sterile about this one. Like, it's so pristine.' As he explored more of the shop, the American stumbled on a beloved British snack that he was eager to try. He added: 'Also, party rings. Never had them, but apparently all my British friends said they're a staple when you're growing up. Gotta try them one day. 'I'm genuinely shook with the variety of everything, cause it's not a big store from the outside, but they have a little bit of everything, which I kind of like. 'Imagine like a clean, sterile small Walmart mixed with Dollar General- that's what you have. Poundland. Many rushed to the comments to leave their own thoughts on his fair review of the discount chain 'I think I've explored every square inch of the store. I don't know what I was expecting from a Poundland, but it's pretty legit, innit? 'Living the dream, man. Living the dream in Poundland of all places.' Many rushed to the comments to leave their own thoughts on his review of the discount chain. One person said: 'My husband's American and wants a 'Poundland' T-shirt as he thinks the name is so funny.' Another suggested: 'Please try Greggs, Wetherspoons, Sports Direct and Primark.' Someone else added: 'Back in the day everything was a pound!!! There's 99p stores as well' A fourth added: 'Poundland needs to rename itself at this point. Bring back the days when everything was actually a pound'. It comes after Kobie revealed the British cultural habit of being 'over-polite' is sometimes confusing for visitors. The TikToker admitted he's still adapting to the famously apologetic and overly polite nature of British culture. In the clip, which racked up more than 45,000 views, he revealed one train journey in particular left him completely stumped. He said: 'As much as I love living in the UK, there's just one thing I have to talk about. 'Their over politeness almost to a fault. It's no secret they have a huge apologising culture. Always saying sorry, sorry all the time. But boy, do I have a story for y'all.' Kobie explained he was on a 'super packed train' from Birmingham to London when an older gentleman boarded the train and began eyeing the seat beside him, but wouldn't take it. He said: 'Every single seat was taken except for one. Right next to me, there's an older gentleman that just got on the train. 'He kept looking at me. Cause it's not my job to tell you to come sit if he wants to sit. He's a grown man, he can come sit. 'He would even look, look at me and look away. His wife had found a seat, but he was kind of looking at me like I was doing something wrong.' The American admitted he was tempted to offer the free seat to the man but he hesitated as he claimed the man could just grab the seat if he wanted it. He said: 'Part of me wanted me to offer my seat next to me to him, but I was like, wait a minute, it's an open seat, he can just come grab it if he wants to sit there. 'And me being from the US, it's hard for me to judge these type of situations here because, one, I don't know if he's actually just being too polite, maybe he's not too fond of me, or it just doesn't make sense.' He concluded: 'If y'all know me, y'all know I love the UK. And this is just my opinion and I Gotta see how it is. 'As much as I love it, that's one thing that I just can't really get my head around.' Many British commenters quickly weighed in, offering their own interpretations of what the elderly gentleman may have been thinking. One person said: 'I think he wanted you to give up your seat so him and his wife could sit together.' To which Kobie responded: 'Very true, why didn't he ask?' Another added: 'It polite to offer the seat… especially to pregnant or older people. He may not have wanted to have assumed he should squeeze past you.' Kobie added: 'Again that's so British. If you want to sit. Sit.' Someone else added: 'We're just polite to a fault. There's an unwritten rule about sitting next to people, although in PACKED situations usually doesn't apply. 'The 'look' would typically be inferred as a request to sit there and then the other party obliges.' A fourth added: 'I'm English. if he wanted the seat he would have either taken it or asked' Another added: 'As a old English lady who loves good manners, you acted in the correct manner. the choice was his to stand.'

Why England and Spain's unique rivalry goes beyond the Euro 2025 final
Why England and Spain's unique rivalry goes beyond the Euro 2025 final

The Independent

time4 hours ago

  • The Independent

Why England and Spain's unique rivalry goes beyond the Euro 2025 final

At kick-off in the Euro 2025 final, England and Spain will be rivals. But before and after, many will be friends and allies, united by a common cause. Keira Walsh is determined to win on Sunday, to become a two-time European champion as part of the first-ever England team to defend a title at a major international tournament. But Walsh also wants Spain to enjoy their moment, to make up for what was lost. Spain will undoubtedly enjoy the occasion more if they beat England to add to their World Cup triumph, but Walsh was aware of the wider meaning. England's players were hurt after their World Cup final defeat to Spain in 2023; though what followed in Sydney was the greater injustice. Spain's victory was overshadowed by Luis Rubiales kissing Jenni Hermoso without her consent during their trophy celebrations. 'I don't think, for them, there was enough spotlight on how incredible they played and how incredible some of their players were,' Walsh said. 'It was all about the other stuff that had gone on.' Spain's stars lamented that there was not enough change in the country after winning the World Cup, now the focus is solely on them and the unique control they can bring to the pitch. 'They play incredible football and they deserve to be there,' said Walsh. 'As a human being I just want them to go out and just enjoy the game.' Walsh's two and a half years with Barcelona mean she has a deeper connection with several members of the Spain squad. When she felt homesick, the Spain captain Irene Parades would invite the midfielder to her family home for dinner. She grew close with many of their stars, such as Aitana Bonmati and Mariona Caldentey. But England stood as a collective with Spain after the World Cup final, even if they had not shared a dressing room or spent time as teammates. The Lionesses felt Spain were robbed of the boost they received by winning the Euros in 2022. There is respect and admiration on both sides, in understanding that their role as players is not just what happens on the pitch but in leaving the game in a better place from where they found it. England used their platform to call for social change after winning the Euros, while Spain have made sacrifices to fight for what they deserve. Patri Guijarro sat out of the last World Cup in protest of unequal treatment. Now Spain's players have seen improvements off the pitch, Guijarro is back and has been the best holding midfielder at the Euros. Sarina Wiegman has previously spoken of the relationship between England and Spain as an example of the 'special community' in the women's game, where both sides are aware of their higher purpose. After the Rubiales scandal, Spain took a stand with Se acabo, a #MeToo movement in Spanish football and beyond. Wiegman has similarly empowered England to use their voices, as seen during the Euros by the defiant response of the team following the racist abuse suffered by Jess Carter. England have supported Spain even as they have emerged as the dominant force and their battles on the pitch have grown. After the World Cup, Spain learnt their talent was not enough to stop what happened to them with Rubiales, but the changes within the Spanish Football Federation mean there is now nothing to hold them back from expressing their joyful, flowing passing. It is on the pitch and in their respective playing styles where there is the clearest contrast between Spain and England, who embraced 'proper England' for the first time in a rugged, disciplined 1-0 win at Wembley in February – the last time the world champions lost a match. The blueprint Arsenal used to dethrone Barcelona in May's Champions League final in Lisbon is one that England may need to replicate. Arsenal were organised off the ball and committed to frustrating the world's best players, while they took their chance when it came. There was also a bit of needle in the heat of the moment, with Chloe Kelly involved as she pushed Alexia Putellas off the ball. Barcelona's stars will also remember that pain, with Bonmati particularly devastated after the defeat. There will be many of the same players involved in Basel, with the links between England and Spain also illustrated by the success of Arsenal and Barcelona in growing the game domestically and across Europe. Arsenal and Barcelona have become the two best-supported women's teams in the world, and in Switzerland during Euro 2025 there have been as many 'Williamson' and 'Russo' or 'Aitana' and 'Alexia' club shirts as some national sides. There may as well be two other teams in the Euro 2025 final, to go along with England and Spain. Within that, there is also the connecting influence of Caldentey, who swapped Barcelona for Arsenal last summer and ended up taking the Champions League with her from Catalonia to north London. Caldentey's winning mentality, forged at Barcelona, influenced an Arsenal team who had consistently failed to win the biggest prizes. It was said Caldentey brought a 'contagious' mindset that 'moved the culture forward' - that feeling is still fresh in the England squad, through its sizable Arsenal contingent. Walsh and Lucy Bronze, meanwhile, can bring insight into the opposition after their time at Barcelona. When playing in midfield with Bonmati and Putellas, Walsh was expected to play short passes all the time, to the extent that she experienced something of a reverse culture shock when she returned to England and signed for Chelsea in January. She admitted she had 'lost' her ability to play long but it has returned at the Euros, where most of England's success has come when they have mixed it up and gone direct. The Lionesses are technical and can play too - but not like Spain, no one can. Instead, England have taken pride in their resilience throughout the Euros, in knowing they are never beaten. 'They can do the same,' Walsh said, after Spain also came through extra time in their semi-final to beat Germany. It is another reason for England to admire Spain, as well as another hurdle to overcome when they meet as rivals on Sunday.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store