During this year’s first Easter Camps, Coventry HDRC and local mental health and wellbeing service Guardian Ballers offered three days of food, fun, and basketball to over 80 young people in Coventry.
A local caterer provided delicious food across the three days. There were basketball activities, games, and conversations where young people's voices were heard. Guardian Ballers (GB) collected data such as questionnaires and noted down young people’s opinions on local issues and on how organisations can interact with them.
A young girl who attended the camp said:
"I think it's a good thing they bring people together that we don't know and it can cause more friendships and confidence to play outside of school and community hubs"
On the first day, 12 girls went to Guardian Baller’s (GB) free all-day girls camp. On the second day, more than 40 boys came to the all-day boys camp. The energy on the court was great, with the players having fun and supporting each other.
On the third and last day, more than 35 young people came to GB’s evening basketball session for mixed ages. The boys and girls worked together on the court, and were having a great time.
Jessica Weeks, Public Involvement Officer, and Nora Atasoy-Schmid, Communications Officer at the HDRC, attended the Easter Camps.
Jessica Weeks shared with the attendees:
“Coventry HDRC is a group of people who want to understand what helps young people feel well, stay safe, and live happy lives. HDRC stands for Health Determinants Research Collaboration. Health determinants influence and shape our health and wellbeing.
This can include things like stress levels, safety, relationships, getting enough sleep, and how much time we spend on our phones. Our plan is to help Coventry City Council make choices that reduce unfair differences that affect our health, such as poverty and unemployment.
And to make fairer choices, like creating safer spaces, and supporting all people in Coventry. We do this by working with Guardian Ballers, so they can listen to real experiences of young people like the ones attending the Easter camps.”
Coventry HDRC is looking forward to evaluating the collected data together with GB and to learn from the findings. The HDRC wants to learn more about health determinants so they and the employees of Coventry City Council can create a better life for everyone in Coventry, by including the views of young people in their work.