JOSIE IS GUEST SPEAKER AT HATE CRIME CONFERENCE

A TEENAGE bullying victim was a guest speaker at a special conference held in South Tyneside aimed at promoting community cohesion and resilience against hate crime and extremism.

Josie, 18, was one of several speakers at the From Adversity to Diversity – Do You Know Who I Am conference, held at South Shields Town Hall last week.

 Josie, who lives in South Tyneside, spoke of her experiences of being viciously bullied at school when she was sent abusive messages and videos.

 Josie said she was nervous before speaking, but had gained confidence while attending a music project led by The Cultural Spring, an arts project working to increase the number of people engaging with the arts in South Tyneside and Sunderland.

 “I was part of The Cultural Spring’s Gig Culture project, which I really enjoyed and which really boosted my confidence,” Josie said.

 Gig Culture was launched in early 2024 and brought together young musicians, while at the same time celebrating South Tyneside’s proud musical heritage.

 Josie became part of Leopard Print, a band put together through the Gig Culture project. She is a singer/songwriter with the band.

 “Because of what I was going through at school I needed a safe space, an environment where I could be myself – and that is exactly what Gig Culture provided. I’ve been a musician for some years but usually played with middle-aged men. Gig Culture introduced me to like-minded people of my own age and with whom I had lots of things in common,” she explained.

 “The project has finished, but we are continuing to play gigs, which is great. We’re a real community and I was able to speak about my experiences with band members and others involved in the Gig Culture project.”

Josie was one of five speakers at the From Adversity to Diversity conference, which was attended by about 150 people. Guests included Northumbria Crime Commissioner Susan Dungworth and representatives from organisations, faith groups, academics and charities, including Show Racism the Red Card.

“It was an inspiring day which I thoroughly enjoyed, and I’ve since been asked to speak at other, similar events,” said Josie.

Caroline Liversidge, who co-ordinated the Gig Culture project for The Cultural Spring, said: “We’re so proud of Josie and delighted that our project gave her the confidence to speak at such an important event. Gig Culture was a great project to work on and we’re so pleased that bands like Leopard Print are continuing to thrive despite the project coming to an end earlier this year.”

Funding for the Gig Culture came from an Arts Council England project grant via The Cultural Spring Charity.