Positive Voices Visit London

Tammy Quinn / 07 January 2026 / Categories: General

In December, the Positive Voices team embarked on an inspiring three-day trip to London, aimed at exploring community food projects and deepening their understanding of national politics.

Thanks to generous funding of £4,100 from the Nelson Town Finance Committee and Super Slow Way, the team made the journey from Preston to Euston, full of anticipation.  They were joined by Dana from the Taste of Transformation project and Ben, from Super Slow Way.

For many students, this was their first visit to London, and the excitement was palpable. They headed straight to Parliament to witness live debates in both the House of Lords and the House of Commons, which helped them gain insight into how national government operates.

The trip wasn’t just about politics - it was about food and community. The team visited the Cooperation Town project, where they met Shiri, who explained how the initiative works: local residents contribute £5 a week to collectively purchase food from suppliers, keeping costs low and fostering solidarity. The group explored the community garden, helped harvest potatoes, and prepared for the next planting cycle. This hands-on experience offered valuable lessons on how similar models could be adapted for their own community.

Other highlights included a visit to the Coin Street Social Housing Project, a stop at the Oxo Tower, and a scenic walk along the South Bank, soaking in the festive atmosphere of Christmas stalls before returning to St Paul’s YHA. It was a day packed with learning and inspiration.

Mash Hussain OBE, Senior Youth and Community Worker, said:

"This trip was a fantastic opportunity for our young people to broaden their horizons. Experiencing Parliament firsthand gave them a deeper understanding of how decisions are made nationally, while visiting community food projects showed them practical ways to tackle food poverty locally. It’s about empowering them with knowledge and inspiring them to create real change in their own communities."

Ben, Super Slow Way, added:

“We can’t wait to see what ideas they have to activate in Nelson, thanks to everyone who supported the trip spoke to young people, and a massive thank you to the Youth Works team who constantly go above and beyond to give young people the opportunities they deserve.”