6 week Youth Led Workshops in The Old Library

Event Description:
Calling all parents, carers, teachers, and community leaders!

We’re excited to introduce a unique project at West Norwood Cemetery, designed for young people aged 9–14 (though younger and older children are also welcome!).

This initiative invites young minds to explore history, nature, and creativity in a truly interactive way. Through collaborative voting and planning, participants will actively shape a series of workshops that are part of the National Heritage Lottery Fund project to conserve the Cemetery’s magnificent landscape and structures while offering new experiences to the community.

What’s the Project About?

This project empowers young people to:

Create: Dream up activities like scavenger hunts, nature trails, or creative workshops.

Explore: Discover the rich history, hidden stories, and natural beauty of the Cemetery and surrounding area, including 400-year-old oak trees.

Inspire: Work with facilitators, develop new skills, and make lasting contributions like podcasts, films, or art displays.

Why Participate?

We aim to:

Break down misconceptions about cemeteries by showcasing their history, biodiversity, and wonder.

Spark creativity and curiosity while connecting with school curriculum goals.

Build confidence, teamwork, and practical skills in a fun, engaging environment.

Potential Activities (To Be Confirmed through the first session's discussions and votes):

Creative Writing and Spoken Word: Unearth history through poetry and storytelling.

Nature Walks, Foraging, and Natural Dyeing: Explore wildlife and use natural materials for crafts.

Digital Media Creation: Record podcasts, create short films, and tell modern, engaging stories.

How Does It Work?

Participants will co-create their experience, working with facilitators design activities that blend their ideas with the Cemetery’s rich resources. Whether it’s crafting a scavenger hunt, exploring the history and biodiversity of the cemetary or recording a podcast, their voices will lead the way.

When and Where?

Dates and Activities: The dates are as follows:

Saturdays 11am - 1pm

15 March

22 March

26 April

3 May

10 May

17 May

Locations: A mix of the beautiful Cemetery grounds and local indoor venues like libraries and studios for creative activities.

How to Get Involved:

• For Teachers: Collaborate with us to provide a unique extracurricular opportunity that aligns with curriculum goals.
• For Carers and Parents: Encourage your child to join this enriching experience to learn new skills, connect with peers, and engage with their community.

Next Steps:

If you’re interested in getting involved, have questions, or want to share ideas, we’d love to hear from you! We’re happy to discuss how this project can inspire and meet the needs of young people in the local area.

Let’s create something magical together!

Note: This project is part of 'West Norwood Cemetery: A New Beginning,' a National Heritage Lottery Fund initiative.