The Howdon Youth Legends came together in North Tyneside through their youth sessions at the Hub, but their vision took shape when they joined Youth Action Unlocked: The Hack, a regional event where young people from across the North East gathered to design projects that tackle real issues in their communities.

For the group, the mission was clear: they wanted to focus on physical and mental health, as well as community safety. Their goal was to create an event in Howdon that would bring people together, give young people new experiences, and show the wider community that they could do something positive and meaningful.

The event they planned was full of energy and variety. A bouncy castle and football tournaments created excitement, while FIFA and table tennis competitions offered different ways for young people to connect. Police involvement added an important dimension of trust-building, showing that community safety could be achieved through relationships as much as enforcement.

At its heart, the project was about more than just activities. It was about giving young people the chance to face their fears, meet new people, and challenge themselves socially and personally. By stepping into unfamiliar spaces and interacting with those they had never met before, the Howdon Youth Legends hoped to break down barriers and build lasting connections.

Taking part in Youth Action Unlocked gave them the opportunity to lead the project from start to finish. Planning and organising an event of this scale was not easy – it meant tackling anxiety, making decisions and working as a team. But in doing so, they developed new skills in communication, coordination, and leadership. Just as importantly, they grew in confidence, proving of themselves and to their community what they were truly capable of.

For the Howdon Youth Legends, this wasn’t just an event. It was a statement of what young people can achieve when given the chance to lead, and a step toward a stronger, safer and more connected community.