How Stormzy Impacts Croydons Youth! The Perception Of Young People Is Wrong and What Makes A Great Mentor?!

In this episode of Croydon Chats, we sit down with Sonia Russo, Corporate Partnerships Manager at Legacy Youth Zone, one of Croydon's most impactful organisations supporting young people across the borough.Sonia shares the incredible work being done at Legacy Youth Zone, a state-of-the-art youth centre providing a safe, affordable, and inspiring environment for over 3,500 young people aged 8–19. We explore how Legacy is helping young people develop confidence, skills, ambition, and opportunities while challenging many of the misconceptions surrounding Croydon's youth.We discuss the realities facing young people today, including food poverty, mental wellbeing, employability, social mobility, and the importance of positive role models. Sonia explains how businesses, charities, schools, and community leaders can work together to create meaningful opportunities and invest in the next generation.The conversation also highlights the power of language, why Croydon needs to change the narrative around its young people, and how organisations like Legacy are helping young people realise their potential through education, sport, music, enterprise, mentoring, and work experience opportunities.We also hear some inspiring stories about celebrity visits from Stormzy and the Sidemen, the impact these experiences have on young people, and why local businesses have a crucial role to play in shaping Croydon's future workforce.Topics covered:• What Legacy Youth Zone is and who it supports• The challenges facing young people in Croydon today• Food poverty, safeguarding, and community support• Supporting young people with additional needs• Building confidence, employability, and life skills• The importance of positive role models and mentorship• Stormzy, the Sidemen, and celebrity involvement with Legacy• Why businesses should invest in young people• Changing the narrative around Croydon and its future• Creating opportunities for the next generationIf you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations with the people making a difference across Croydon.Watch and subscribe here on YouTube.Subscribe to get future episodes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.