Youngsters’ artistic creativity celebrated at unveiling of New Milton Youth Trust graffiti mural on recreation ground, off Whitefield Road
Teamwork inspiring creativity was credited with bringing about a new graffiti mural at the front of a New Milton youth building.
Music and stalls aimed to evoke a festival atmosphere as New Milton Youth Trust celebrated the official unveiling of the artwork at its venue on the recreation ground, off Whitefield Road.
It was the culmination of a five-month project carried out alongside Bournemouth-based MBN Arts, which uses creative arts to build young people’s confidence, engagement, and an open mindset.
Also supported by Hampshire Cultural Trust, it saw youngsters learn spray painting skills and the history of graffiti, and design their own logo to use as a tag.
The mural was completed over two days, with 10 members working together with MBN Arts’ Mike Ness and Jack Kellythorn.
It reflects some of the youth sessions’ activities, including playing games such as Uno, making and eating pizza, and using a DJ mixing desk.
One element retained from the previous display was a flag with the ‘425’ logo, harking back to the old skate park previously based in front of the building.
The numbers reflect New Milton’s old area code from a time when people had to remember their friend’s home telephone numbers.
Trust senior youth work manager Laura Myhill explained: “Many local skaters are recognised by ‘425’.
“There have been two young deaths recently, and people put the ‘425’ flag on their [social media] profile. It shows the impact.
“Now it’s all different – youngsters don’t knock on people’s doors, they don’t go to phone boxes. Times have changed.
“This is why we go to schools to talk about social media, body image, etc.”
Stalls at the unveiling included those run by youngsters learning their entrepreneurial skills.
Tracy Jose also raised awareness of Changes are Made (CAM), a charity she launched in memory of her grandson, Cameron Hamilton, who died in a stabbing in Bournemouth.
CAM’s main aim is to help, support, educate, prevent and deter young people from carrying or using knives or serious violence.
Cllr Steve Clarke, a staunch supporter of youth provision, unveiled the mural.
“The New Milton Youth Trust building is so important to many of these young people,” he said.
“A place to be with their friends, to experience new things and feel safe.
“This project was a huge achievement for each of them and something they co-created together, can take ownership of and be proud of.
“This project can hopefully inspire other local young people to attend and engage at the New Milton Youth Trust building, where they deliver their essential support for the young people within this community.”
The New Milton Youth Trust supports children and young people aged 0-25 and their families.
As well as the drop-in youth club, it carries out detached youth work, and projects in schools and with other partners.
