Hackney youngsters ‘create true urban paradise’

Garment making, woodwork and gardening were some of the activities on offer for 12 to 18-year-olds during Urban Forest Week organised by housing group the Peabody Trust

Young people also converted a derelict space at the Bootstrap, in Ashwin Street, Dalston.

A separate event at the same venue taught young people the skills for alternative careers including street dance and arts and crafts.

Peabody’s ongoing fashion design project, Threads, encouraged youngsters to create their own garments.

Amirat Animashaun, 14, said: “I’ve been involved in Threads for more than a year and have learnt and made so much. I never thought I would be able to make my own clothes but recently wore a dress I made to a party and my friends loved it. My friends think my clothes are extra extraordinary.”

Felicity Hunt, Peabody’s youth project manager, said: “It was amazing to see the group grow in confidence over the course of the week and the space they have created is a true urban paradise – they should be extremely proud of their achievements.

“I hope the young people will use their newfound skills in the upcoming years when they start to make the transition to college, university and the working world.”