It was vital that this project took into consideration the views of as many residents as possible, including some of its younger inhabitants. This is particularly important in Barking and Dagenham which has one of the youngest populations nationally. So we were delighted to be able to go into Rose Lane Primary School to work with an amazing group of Year 6 students on their vision for our community.

We began our session with a ‘good life gallery’ enabling the children to express themselves through Lego and craft to create their visions for their ideal borough. We then played the line game to represent their experiences without writing before ending in some creative visualisation through drawing and through their words.

These young people brought energy, ideas and a range of experiences that helped them articulate their desires for their borough. These focused on the facilities and utilities they’d like greater access to including playparks, cinemas and shops as well as a call for greater safety and protection from crime. 

Thanks to all these young people who shared their powerful stories and honest reflections with us.