Talking Heritage with Lawrence Hoo

9th September 2022

On 7th September 120 colleagues, volunteers, alumni and young people gathered at our first in-person Colleague Conference for two years.

Held at Trinity Arts Centre, the conference began with Bristol poet and educator Lawrence Hoo talking about his journey – from a young person who spent his childhood in and out of the care system to being a creative voice for change in our communities.

Lawrence’s poems and his story spoke, through his personal experience, of the risks and challenges that face the young people our colleagues support every day, and of the value of exploring heritage in bolstering the skills and talents of disadvantaged young people.

Lawrence spoke about the importance of exploring and sharing the undercelebrated histories of young people and our diverse communities. Colleagues were inspired and excited hearing Lawrence’s story, and how his learning about heritage, writing poetry and becoming a father were key to him being where he is now.

Lawrence spoke emotively about how important it is that we provide creative opportunities for young people to explore heritage so they can develop a positive identity and future.

 

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