In January 2024, thanks to Police Crime Reduction funding, Friends of Alderman Kneeshaw Park launched a youth engagement initiative aimed at providing local children with meaningful activities on the park. The idea was simple but powerful: create a space where young people could come together, feel heard, and contribute something lasting to their community. 

Led by resident artist Maniuko, the sessions ran every Monday evening from 4–6pm, with the goal of creating a mural designed by the young people for the park. As the weeks progressed, the group decided that the mural should feature the word ‘Welcome’—a message that spoke to the spirit of inclusivity they were building together. 

Learning new spray-paint techniques and working side-by-side, the young participants developed both creative and social skills. These sessions quickly became a highlight of the week, offering not just art but community, fun, and a sense of belonging.

As spring turned to summer, the sessions began to evolve organically. Attendance grew to up to 20 children each week, and the focus expanded to include traditional play—hopscotch, tig, running games, and general fun. This consistent presence in the park helped form stronger connections with local youth, particularly those who were previously harder to reach. 

Session lead and volunteer youth worker Debbie became a familiar, trusted face. Over time, even the more disengaged youths—some initially arriving in balaclavas—began to interact more openly. Subtle shifts in behavior and trust became apparent, marking a turning point in the group’s dynamic. 

Though the mural project was completed, the impact of the sessions continued to grow. Debbie recognized the deepening conversations and emotional needs surfacing among the young attendees—especially around anxiety, stress, and vulnerability. 

In response, we built stronger ties with the local authority youth team, and Debbie undertook Youth Mental Health training to better support the young people in her care. We also expanded our offering by launching a second weekly session, in partnership with the youth team. 

Wednesday evenings (4–6pm) were added to the calendar—providing additional play, support, and continuity for the children who now saw the park as a safe and welcoming space. 

During this time, we also partnered with Humber Street Gallery, giving the young people an opportunity to participate in the “I’m Sorry” exhibition. This creative experience included a funded visit to the gallery, broadening horizons and deepening the group’s engagement with art and culture. 

As a charity, Friends of Alderman Kneeshaw believes in creating opportunities for our young people to grow, connect, and thrive. We’re committed to: 

We are proud of the foundation we’ve built—but this is just the beginning. With the continued support of partners, funders, and our incredible volunteers, we look forward to growing these sessions and creating a lasting impact in the lives of our local youth. 

Don’t worry if you’re not an expert gardener or handyman! We provide all training, tools, and plenty of guidance. All you need is enthusiasm and a willingness to learn.