Youth Engagement

Youth Engagement has been at the core of our mission since our inception, and Happy Valley Pride makes it a priority to work creatively with the next generations of young people, regardless of how they identify, with projects focussed on understanding and respecting individual identities. 

We work with 3,000+ young people across Calderdale to help them to learn more about the LGBTQIA+ community, anti-bullying and the diversity of families in our local community via:

  • our annual Youth Pride Art Exhibition which showcases art created by 4 - 17 year olds for 4 weeks in July at Hebden Bridge Town Hall
  • Youth Pride Stage at our Big Day Out, as part of our yearly Happy Valley Pride Festival, which is produced, curated and performed by young people
  • Freedom Parade in Calder Holmes Park
  • Age-appropriate Creative workshops based around Identity that take place in 20 schools and youth groups across Calderdale
  • Brand new Under 18's event called Electric Bloom, taking place during the Winter months
  • Specially commissioned projects (recent examples include facilitating 22 young people to write, perform and record an original song based around peer support for young LGBTQIA+ people, which we turned into a music video, and a project focussed on raising awareness of HIV and Hepatitis)

The Happy Valley Pride Youth Engagement Programme plays a leading role in the provision of quality creative engagement and learning for young people around LGBTQIA+ life in Calderdale and the surrounding areas. Through education and art, Happy Valley Pride is a valued and influential partner in LGBTQIA+ equality and human rights. We work closely with and support primary and secondary schools, youth groups, teachers and leaders to engage young people in a programme of creative activities annually. 

My 10 year old son was very excited when Happy Valley Pride was talked about so positively in his school. It sent out a clear message to him and all the pupils that the valley celebrates diversity and people should be proud of their sexuality.

Since 2021, we have been focussing on encouraging children to explore their own individuality and express themselves through art and creative outlets. We called this the Creative Youth Engagement Project.

Our Youth Engagement Manager is local LGBTQIA+ teacher & musician Terry Logan. If you live in Hebden Bridge you have probably heard of Terry Logan, but if you haven’t then listen up! Terry is an amazing musician and has been a prominent member of the local pride community for quite some time.

In 2024, we were able to expand thanks for funding from Calderdale Metropolitan Borough Council as part of their Year of Culture - Culture Dale! We now have Adam Pryce, our Youth Engagement Officer, working with Terry Logan. Adam is an artist and has brought his creativity to this project, focussing on working with under 11 year olds. 

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We work with young people from 4 onwards, facilitating separate projects depending on age groups based on the theme of identity, which share the same objectives:

  • To develop our understanding of identity
  • To develop our understanding of diversity
  • To develop our awareness of the LGBTQIA+ community
  • To develop our awareness of equality and compassion

We devise a number of colourful and engaging workshop plans and activities.

“I came to the valley with my 3 children in 2015. As a single lesbian mum, Happy Valley Pride gave me the boost I needed to feel that this was a great place to bring up my children who have been involved in both enjoying the festival and even volunteering. It helps them feel safe and proud to have a lesbian mum. My 10 year old son was very excited when Happy Valley Pride was talked about so positively in his school. It sent out a clear message to him and all the pupils that the valley celebrates diversity and people should be proud of their sexuality. We love living here, thank you Happy Valley Pride for playing a massive part in this.”

–Sally, Volunteer and local lesbian parent.

In 2024, we worked with 3068 young people, who we engaged via twenty partner schools and youth groups. 

This culminated in our month-long Youth Pride Art Exhibition, our Youth Pride Stage - curated and produced by the young people involved in the project - and our identity Parade in Calder Holmes Park. 

Look out for our new Youth Music Takeover event in February 2025!

SPECIAL PROJECTS

OPEN THE DOOR - CREATING AN ORIGINAL SONG

In a collaboration with Happy Valley Pride's Youth Programme and mental health initiative Mind Your Head, our partnership with the Brunswick Centre, we worked with the amazing young people at yOUTh in halifax to create a new song celebrating the power of peer support. 

Find out more here. 
 

ELECTRIC BLOOM

Creating a safe and inclusive space for all young people Electric Bloom is a brand new, FREE, Saturday afternoon event for music lovers aged 11 to 18. Starring some of the hottest new bands and musicians around!

Find out more here.