The Champions of Sandfield School
A group of young people from Rights Respecting Sandfield Park School are breaking down the barriers that disabled young people face.
The group, who go by the name The Champions, and also include children from Redbridge High School, Bankview High School, and Alder Centre of Education, aim to raise awareness of disability issues. Their video Top Ten Tips addresses Articles 2 and 23 of the Convention (non-discrimination and children with a disability) and provides advice for making every day services more accessible.
They will be taking a performance to The Now Festival 2017, which takes place at the Epstein Theatre in Hanover Street in Liverpool from 7 – 10 February. The theme of this year’s festival is mental health.
Jon*, one of The Champions performing at the festival, said: “We are really excited to be involved and part of the festival. We have worked together to create a new rap to express the rights of the child and young people”.
The festival will be packed with performances from Liverpool’s young people, all telling stories that tackle issues related to mental health. Now Festival 2017, which is being held during National Children and Young People’s Mental Health Week, will give young people aged 9-18 the opportunity to showcase their original creative performances.
Deputy Headteacher at Sandfield Park, Ann Wells said: “I must say how proud I am of the young people at our school who want to raise awareness and understanding of mental health issues through the Convention.”
Learning Mentor, Sarah Spoor at Sandfield Park School supports the work of the young people and their work with the Champions Project. She said: “I am always amazed by the talents of the young people expressing their ideas and using their voices through the arts to raise awareness of issues that are so important to them, and which then help to make changes to create a more accessible community”
Tickets for the Festival which takes place from Tue 7th Feb – Fri 10th Feb can be purchased from the Epstein Theatre website: liverpoolcamhsfyi.com/now-fest
*Child’s name has been changed to protect identity.