Youth events mark riots anniversary

Monday 6th August 2012

Young people have taken over cities across the country to spread a positive message about youth on the anniversary of the riots.

The Co-Operative Foundation is aiming to prove that young people can be a force for good one year on from the riots which swept across the country in August 2011.

It held its One Day celebration events in London, Bristol, Cardiff, Manchester, Newcastle and Glasgow on August 4 in partnership with charities in each region.

The events, which are part of the foundation's Truth About Youth initiative, included young people showcasing their creative talents in a bid to challenge negative stereotypes and bring young and old people together through intergenerational activities.

They also included a simultaneous flash mob, in conjunction with all seven Truth About Youth cities at 3pm.

Michael Fairclough, head of community and Co-operative Investment for The Co-operative Group, said: "One Day is the product of months of hard work from seven dedicated young people from seven parts of the UK.

"It is the very first time we have joined together all our Truth About Youth projects in one co-ordinated national activity which will be run simultaneously on One Day.

"This project was created by our Truth About Youth Young Advisory Panel, who have led this project from the very beginning, and serves as a fantastic example of the dedication and inspiration shown by these young people and the hundreds more who will be involved on the day."

The Truth About Youth initiative is a nationwide programme started two years ago by the grant-making arm of The Co-operative Group.

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