7 December: How can you support the Day of Hope 2021?

The Day of Hope was established by the Hope Collective, a national organisation born from the work of the Damilola Taylor Trust. Shortly before he died from a stab wound aged just 10 years old, Damilola stated that one day, he wanted to change the world.

The Day of Hope marks Damilola’s birthday and his ambition to change the world. The Hope Collective is establishing the 7 December as a national day of action to celebrate young people and to promote efforts to support them, to address inequalities and tackle violence so that they can reach their full potential.

Last week, the Prime Minister hosted a No 10 reception for the Hope Collective and gave a commitment to promoting the Day of Hope.

The Day of Hope has a powerful, positive message about young people’s value and their potential in our society:

In memory of Damilola who remains a symbol of the impact of knife crime. But also for all of the young people and their families whose lives have been ruined by knife crime – some in our own communities.
Recognise the huge potential our young people represent – the diversity, their talents, their ambitions to change the world
Call on everyone to support young people, create opportunities for them and tackle the inequalities they face
Through this – we can help young people to achieve and can create safe, healthy and vibrant communities now and for the future

How can you support the Day of Hope?

Social media:

Mark the 7 December “Day of Hope” any way – with a simple post, a comment on the themes above, anything – but please use the hashtag #DayOfHope2021 and wherever possible tag in @HopeCollective2 and @TV_VRU on Twitter/Insta

Would you share a photo of yourself when you were young – together with what you remember were your hopes and dreams? Were there any key moments of support that helped you along?

Would you be willing to record a short video message – reflecting on the key themes as above? Perhaps this could be a senior leader from your organisation or an elected member who represents Communities, Children, Youth Ambition – linking back to your organisational aims and objectives?

Follow the Hope Collective on Twitter: @HopeCollective2 and on Instagram @DayofHope2021 and share their posts

Follow the Thames Valley Violence Reduction Unit on Twitter: @TV_VRU and share our posts

Download some suggested Tweets / social media messages Download

Looking forward to 2022: The first Thames Valley “Youth Hope Workshop”:

This year, five youth workshops were held across the UK, with contributions made by hundreds of young people from many backgrounds. Led and facilitated by young people, they gathered feedback on the issues facing young people and the challenges. The output has been collated and last week was presented to the Prime Minister and No 10 Strategy/Policy unit by the Hope Collective’s youth council.

Next year, this process will be repeated – we are proud to be hosting the first workshop here in the Thames Valley and will be drawing representation from right across the region – school children and young people from your local area.

We are also looking for young people – particularly from disadvantaged backgrounds or those who have lived experience of violence and inequality – to work with us as Youth Ambassadors. If you would like to work with us, can help identify suitable people for whom this could be a positive opportunity, then do please get in touch – vru@thamesvalley.police.uk