Young People's Conservation Toolkit

A framework for organisations to run their own workshops/discussions with young people to help inform Sheffield’s bid for City of Culture 2029.

Sheffield is one of 9 locations bidding to become UK City of Culture 2029. If we win, Sheffield will host a year of culture (events, projects, and experiences) that could change what it feels like to grow up here.

What happens in a City of Culture? Imagine a year-long celebration of all the brilliant things about Sheffield, full of fantastic events and opportunities in every community across the city.

As part of writing the bid, we want to hear from as many people as possible about what they want Sheffield’s City of Culture to look and feel like. In July, there will be a meeting focusing specifically on children and young people’s experiences, and we want the people in that room (artists, organisations, decision-makers) to hear directly from young people across the city about what matters to them.

That’s why this toolkit exists. Your answers will inform that meeting.

What do we mean by 'culture'?

Culture means different things to different people. It’s not just theatres and galleries.

Culture is anything people do together that matters to them - music, food, sport, making stuff, hanging out, faith, gaming, volunteering, storytelling, family histories, heritage etc….

Culture helps people express themselves, connect with others, and make a difference to the place they live.

How to use this toolkit

You can access the toolkit here. This works as a group session (45–60 minutes) led by a facilitator.

There are no right or wrong answers. You can write, draw, record a voice note, or take a photo - whatever works best. If you're doing this as a group, capture the conversation: quotes, ideas, disagreements all count.

You don't have to do every section - pick the ones that generate the best conversation for your group.

At the end, fill in the online form on Have Your Say or email responses to: sophie_hunter@icloud.com.

Responses received by 5th July will help to shape the wider Community Assembly focused on children and young people’s involvement in the Capital of Culture bid. Responses received before 30th July will still be considered and help to shape the bid.

Thank you for your input!