A YOUTH group set up in Coventry to deter young people away from knife crime, gang violence and anti-social behaviour has closed after five years serving the community.
Fridays Coventry CIC was launched by CEO Tyler Campbell in July 2019 to provide safe spaces for the city’s young people after a spate of incidents where people he knew had either died or been sent to prison because of knife crime.
It was started thanks to a £5,000 grant from Coventry Police’s Active Citizen Fund.
Since its launch it has had a positive impact on the lives of hundreds of teenagers, enabling them to get involved in the media, arts, event management and more.
The group’s activities have helped members build their confidence, self-esteem and self-worth. It prided itself on inspiring Coventry’s young people to be the best possible version of themselves.
As well as its regular weekly activities, including offering free haircuts, putting on DJ sets and more, Fridays Coventry notched up a multitude of achievements over half a decade.
Among them were spreading Christmas cheer around the city by producing a ‘one pound panto’ to make festive theatre more affordable, and hosting Fridays Superstars – an event full of sports challenges – in the run up to the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.
‘Drop the Denim’
In June 2022, the group launched an ambitious recycling scheme for jeans and other denim items.
The group sprung into action with the sustainable fashion project after the startling revelation that it takes 1,800 gallons of water just to make one pair of jeans.
West Orchards Shopping Centre deputy manager Catherine Tennant, Jessica Berry, Ebony Ademola and events co-ordinator Lewis Greaves will be launching ‘Drop The Denim’. Picture by Marcus Mingins 2122009MMR © Bullivant Media
‘Drop The Denim’ was launched with a fashion show at West Orchards Shopping Centre and saw drop-off points allocated so new and worn jeans could be washed, recycled and given to families in need throughout Coventry.
In 2022, Fridays won the Youth Led National Crimebeat Award after being nominated by Louise Bennett OBE DL, High Sheriff of the West Midlands.
Tyler, who started the venture when he was just 18, has thanked everyone who has been involved in the CIC’s journey and offered him support, advice and help.
“I have had fantastic support from family, friends, supporters, the Prince’s Trust and much more to name.” He added the reason for closing Fridays Coventry was because of a change of purpose in his life.
And in his final message he said: “Knife crime prevention will always be at my heart and I will always be a big advocate towards the prevention of knife crime and keeping young people safe and growing their entrepreneurship.
“My interests lie in the real estate world where I invest in property and deal source which means finding investors property to buy at below market value and helping owners sell their property too.”
