By Dawar Naim
(Dawar is a journalist with the Focus Media Arts Centre

In this Regent Park TV news segment, we document the Regent Park Accessing Space Committee youth consultation event that was held on Saturday, November 20th, 2021, at 110 River Street, from 2:00 PM – 5:30 PM.

The Event was hosted by Leah Woldegiorgis, the Access to Space Coordinator of the Community Building Working Group of the Regent Park Social Development Plan. Approximately 25 youth attended the event.

The objective of the event was to provide a safe space for youth to inform the Access to Space Committee about youth needs regarding access to space and programming in Regent Park. The topics included: community space use, community safety, community engagement/resources.

To identify young peoples needs, participants were asked series of questions:

• Are you aware of the community spaces in Regent Park?
• What spaces and programs are you involved?
• What types of spaces do you want to see in Regent Park?
• How do you cope with stress and what types of support do you need?

The participants were asked to write their thoughts on sticky notes and stick it on a board. The organizers received feedback from all the participants. Along with a raffle prize there were snacks,  refreshments and a community worker who doubled as a DJ and provided music. Grassroots groups like Healing as one were there too. Felicia Whtye, a TCHC violence prevention worker on the SDP Safety Community was present as well.  Felicia informed the group that she was starting a youth advisory committee and hoped that youth from the group would be interested.

The information gained in the event will be used to advocate for more spaces and programming for youth in Regent Park.