Local teens are the stars of a new video filmed in Broomfield Park with the aim of raising funds for the campaign to Make Space for Girls. All donations made between 8th and 15th October will be doubled by sponsors.
It's a while since we've heard anything about the project that's being run by Sarah Cotton from the Palmers Greenery Cafe in conjunction with the national charity Make Space for Girls. But design work to make our local park somewhere where teen girls feel more at home has been going on in the background and Sarah hopes to have some news before too long.
In the meantime, three of the local girls who took part in last year's Make Space for Girls in Broomfield Park workshops have taken their first steps towards stardom and are featured in a new film shot in the park by the charity to promote a Big Give match funding opportunity that will be available imminently.
The Big Give campaign runs from 8th to 15th October. Make Space for Girls are looking to obtain donations from the public totalling £5000. The companies and individuals who have pledged to matchfund the campaign would then provide the same amount, taking the total up to £10,000.
How Make Space for Girls explain their aims on the Big Give matchfunding website
Situation
Parks and public spaces for older children and teenagers are currently designed for the default male. Our research shows that the majority of outdoor public spaces are not used by, or welcoming to, teenage girls. The lack of park facilities for teenage girls, and the barriers excluding them from current provision, has a critical impact on their physical and mental health, and raises significant issues of spatial equity. Public space currently tells teenage girls: “there’s nothing for you".
Solution
MSFG uses research, campaigning and professional training to bring awareness of the issue to policymakers, local councils, architects and developers across the UK, to seek change at a systemic level. We also share best practice for engagement with teenage girls, so that their views and needs can be built into new projects across the UK. MSFG’s ultimate aim is to change national policy, with the result that all parks and public spaces across the UK are designed to be gender-inclusive.
More details about how the money would be spent/Donate to the appeal
Links
Making Broomfield Park more welcoming for teenage girls (Palmers Green Community 6 November 2024)
