The Big Conversation

A group of year 10 Manor Croft students took part in ‘The Big Conversation’ which was the culmination of the ‘Real People, Honest Talk’ project. Students have worked collaboratively with their peers from Upper Batley High school and met in Dewsbury Minster to share their views and ideas with young people from across Dewsbury and Batley. The event was attended by Alison Lowe, Deputy Mayor for Police and Crime in West Yorkshire, The Rt Revd Nick Baines, the Bishop of Leeds and Councillor Masood Ahmed, the Mayor of Kirklees, as well as representatives from West Yorkshire Police, Mental Health and other community representatives. 

We are very proud of our students who spoke articulately and passionately about the issues that matter to them such as Mental Health, the Cost of Living Crisis, Crime and Gang Culture, Sexual Harassment and Misogyny, feeling unsafe in public areas such as Dewsbury Bus Station and the impact of drugs on families and communities. Our students were  given the opportunity to speak openly and honestly with the guests at the event and to learn about what is in place and being developed to tackle these issues and concerns and how they, as young people can contribute to positive outcomes in these areas. 

‘Today was a good experience and it was interesting to learn about other people’s views and ideas and know that we are being heard’ Nida

‘Overall I found the experience exciting and an amazing opportunity as I met with new people and saw different views on what matters’ Aleksander

‘I like how this ‘big conversation’ allows others to open up and share their thoughts, ideas and feelings to not just one, but many others …. I am proud of the people who stepped up to speak in front of a big audience’ Jaxx