Our Responsibility in Times of Division

Last weekend’s protests have left me feeling conflicted.

On the one hand, I believe deeply in freedom of speech and the right to protest. I enjoy hearing alternative perspectives and value respectful debate it’s how we grow, learn, and build empathy. But on the other hand, I can’t ignore the unease I feel watching the images circulate of unrest, of division, of fear. Our young people are seeing the same images, and many are feeling unsettled. 

Young people’s constant access to social media means these images and narratives are immediate and unfiltered.

They see the protests, the violence, the rhetoric, and they often process it alone. For some, this can create real fear and anxiety especially when it’s hard to know what is real, what is exaggerated, and what it means for their own safety and place in society. And yet, I also see young people questioning, debating, and wanting to lead conversations about what this means for their communities and their futures. 

We don’t need to look far to see how this plays out close to home. In Southport, young people and families are still processing the aftermath of tragedy and unrest. These are not distant events they are part of our shared community story. For the young people growing up in these neighbourhoods, the images they see online are reinforced by what they experience on their own streets. That combination creates fear and anger but also a determination in many to speak up, take action, and push for change. 

The role of the media in this moment is critical. Narratives are being shaped in ways that can blur agendas and deepen divides. I read this article recently, and it struck me how differently it could be interpreted. On the surface, some might see it as aligning with a far-right narrative. But dig deeper and it’s also about a young person confidently expressing her identity and views, within a conversation about British values. That tension between freedom of expression and the framing of agendas is where so much uncertainty lies right now. 

I worry that, after more than a decade of de-investment in youth and community work, our sector is less confident, less resourced, and less skilled to navigate these conversations. Yet these conversations are exactly what young people need: spaces to explore, to be curious, to challenge, to lead, and to find common ground. 

For over ten years, I’ve had the privilege of working with communities of different backgrounds, races, and religions. At the heart of our programmes were always the values that bring us together respect, difference, shared humanity. We celebrated what made us unique while building on what we held in common. That is what “British values” meant in practice. And I know from experience that when young people are given the space and trust to lead these conversations, they do so with courage, honesty, and compassion. 

My worry is that, without the resources to create these safe spaces, tensions and discomfort will go unspoken, and division will grow. 

Our politicians also have a vital role in this. Young people are watching closely at not just the policies being made, but the tone, language, and behaviour of leaders. Every word matters. Political discourse can either calm or inflame, include or exclude. In times like this, the way politicians choose to lead will shape how young people understand democracy, belonging, and respect.

Parents and carers, too, are on the frontline of this. They are often the first people young people turn to when they encounter disturbing images or confusing narratives online. Their reassurance, openness, and willingness to listen can make all the difference in whether a young person feels frightened and isolated, or supported and empowered. But they also need support, guidance, and confidence to have these conversations.

 That’s why I am reaching out across my networks and connecting with colleagues from across the youth and community sector. We need to stand alongside our frontline workers, parents, carers and crucially, with young people themselves. Together, we must ensure they are not only supported and safe; but empowered to lead the conversations that will shape the future of our communities. 

This is not just about Positive Futures. It is about us, as a society, choosing to invest in humanity. Choosing to make space for young people to think critically, listen respectfully, and raise their voices with confidence.  Because if we don’t, the gaps will be filled by louder, angrier voices and young people will carry the weight of that. 

Now more than ever, we need to come together.

This moment calls on all of us, politicians, parents, educators, community leaders, practitioners, and young people themselves to reflect on the example we set and the spaces we create. Young people are not only watching and listening, but they are also ready to lead. If we can show dialogue, respect, and humanity in action, they will see and model that a different way forward is possible. 

I don’t pretend to have all the answers, but I know Positive Futures can play a role in shaping them. I am committed to being part of a system-wide solution, one that places young people at the centre, giving them the confidence, tools, and safe spaces to explore the world around them and to lead us towards a more hopeful future.