#BreakingBarriers is a series of free events that were specifically created for young people (11-19 years-old) in and around High Wycombe.
The idea came about when Wycombe Youth Council pointed out that there were few events or activities in the local area that were specifically for teenagers. They spoke, and we listened!
And so Wycombe Youth Action, Chilterns CCC, Wycombe Arts Centre and Chiltern Rangers pulled their resources and launched the #BreakingBarriers series. The project’s aims were to create a safe and socially-distanced space for young people to break down barriers.
The first #BreakingBarriers event took place on Wednesday 5th August 2020 at Kingsmead Rec, aiming to boost creativity, food, wellbeing, fitness, conservation and art skills.
In total, 27 young people aged 11-19 attended and took part in skills sessions with fantastic local organisations including Chiltern Rangers, Chilterns CCC, Bam Fitness, Flux Photographic, Khepera CIC, Wycombe Arts Centre and Wycombe Youth Action.
#BreakingBarriers2 took place on Wednesday 2nd September 2020, returning to Kingsmead Rec and including everything from boxing to fitness and football. It aimed to motivate kids to boost their fitness and to be more healthy and was carried out with a similar range of local organisations.
It also included graffiti art workshops from Wycombe Arts Centre artist-in-residence Dan Wilson of Decreate.
#BreakingBarriers3 saw the events move to the Theatre Space at Wycombe Arts Centre, taking place on Tuesday 27th October 2020 to coincide with half term.
Hosted in partnership with Chiltern Rangers, Flux Photographic and Wycombe Youth Action, it also featured Chiltern Rangers, Decreate, Demograffix, Fort Phoenix, Khepera CIC, Mama Bee and Morrisons.
#BreakingBarriers4 took place over three days from June 1st to June 3rd 2021 and saw it return to the Theatre Space at Wycombe Arts Centre for a sports and fitness themed event featuring a range of local organisations including:
- Anna Rose: Dance workshops (Bollywood, disco street dance)
- Bam Fitness: Boxing
- Genesis Martial Arts: Martial arts
- Fort Phoenix: Fun sports
- Pyramid Fitness and Health: Yoga/pilates
- Fitness Garden: Sports education
- Wycombe Wanderers: Football delivered by Darius Charles
- Flux Photography: Movement and light
- Demograffix: Sports-themed graffiti
- Khepera Cic: Providing vegan lunches
And that’s not all! Plans are already underway for future #BreakingBarriers events, and the fantastic feedback that we’ve received along the way just goes to show how important these free workshops are for the local community.
They also give us a fantastic opportunity to partner with other local organisations and to help to develop the next generation of creative talent. Plus Khepera’s vegan food is delicious. We can’t wait to partner with everyone on the next instalments!
