At Youth Action Unlocked: The Hack, young people from across the North East came together to design projects that could make a meaningful impact in their communities. In Middlesborough, one group united around a shared goal: creating a community event that was aimed at celebrating differences.

The idea behind the project was simple but powerful – the group decided to host a day of culture, sport, and fun that would bring people together and help break down feelings of isolation and loneliness. The young people hoped that by offering accessible activities and encouraging people to try something new, they could boost both the physical and mental health of local residents.

One of the young people explained that the event was for people “to try new things, to socialise more, hang out with people and talk more with people.” This perfectly captured the aim of the day: encouraging connection, participation and joy.

Throughout the event, people got involved in a range of activities that reflected the group’s commitment to creating an inclusive and energetic atmosphere.

At the heart of the celebration was the recognition of Middlesborough’s diverse communities. The group wanted every person to feel recognised, loved, and welcomed. The group reflected on the impact of the event, saying that it was great “seeing people enjoy their time here and not feel like they have to stay in a corner… like actually try[ing] new things.”

For many of the young people involved, celebrating diversity wasn’t just about a single event, it was about encouraging understanding, respect, and unity. “I think that it’s important because there’s a lot of different cultures in the UK so I think people can learn about it and try food from the other cultures. It’s just a fun experience for people to try out new cultures.”

The project also offered a unique learning experience for the young people. Through planning, coordinating, and engaging with the community, they developed essential life skills.

As they reflected on what they achieved, many felt inspired to encourage other young people to step up and create change in their own communities. Their advice was simple but powerful: “Just go for it.” Another member of the group said: “Speak your mind. Say what you want. What you say can create a change and even you as a person can make a difference to the community.”

By taking part in Youth Action Unlocked, this group of young people not only delivered a successful event in Middlesborough – they also built connections, celebrated culture, and proved that youth voices can spark meaningful change.