“Be proud of where you call home” says Walsall rapper Nayra J following performance at youth summit
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100 children and young people attended a youth summit in Walsall last week.
Running for its second year, the summit was set up to bring young people together to share their views about what it’s like to grow up and live in Walsall, and how it could improve in the long-and-short term future.
Hosted at Bescot Stadium on Wednesday 13 August 2025, the day included live performances, interactive workshops, stalls, and creative activities for young people to get involved with.
This year’s summit was named by young people and called ‘Our Homes away from Home’, focusing on safe spaces for young people. Attendees were able to have their say about what places and spaces feel welcoming and safe in Walsall communities.
Nayra J, a rapper from Darlaston, opened the summit with a live performance of his viral hit ‘Walsall’. With over 300,000 likes on TikTok and a growing following, the artist’s message to young people was to take pride in being from Walsall.
Speaking at the event, Nayra J said, “This is a good day for the next generation to come together and talk about our futures. I'm proud to be a kid from Walsall and I want all young people to be proud of where we’re from. Keep striving for the best and don't take no for an answer.”
“ The voices of children and young people in Walsall are powerful, and we’re listening to what they say and what they want from us and our partners. But in addition to listening, we must also deliver tangible outcomes for them to improve things now, and in the future.
The first youth summit took place last year, and the resounding feedback from that was young people wanted a place in the town centre where they could socialise in a safe environment. And earlier this year we opened a new youth hub named ‘Our Place’ which is already proving to be popular.
Thank you to everybody who attended the summit and gave feedback, this will all be analysed and taken forward to develop more spaces which feel safe to young people across Walsall. “
Youth organisations and the council’s partners supported the summit by facilitating discussions and workshops.
Walsall Council has a growing youth and adolescent offer, and is using the voices of children and young people to help shape and influence services the council and partner organisations deliver.
The borough’s long-term strategy for children and young people can be found on the We Are Walsall 2040 website: https://wearewalsall2040.walsall.gov.uk/. This includes clear priorities for future generations, ensuring children are happy and thriving, safe and free from harm, have a voice, are listened to, and are hopeful and excited for the future.
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