For the past few months, I’ve been working with young carers in youth clubs talking about inequality in society and how to make change happen. It’s been a whirlwind of brave and honest conversations, which we all faced with care, love and compassion for each other and the world.

As a visual creator, my work centres on storytelling, mainly through photography and video. I’m originally from Pakistan, and my personal experiences as an immigrant shape my work and empower me to strive to redefine what young creators can do in the creative and cultural sector.

   

Working with young carers, we connected through our passion to see change happen – towards a more equitable society.

I worked with two separate groups, at The Dings and Southmead Youth Centre. The Dings is in central Bristol, and Southmead is way up north – where young people seldom venture out of their local area.

It’s been interesting to see how different communities of young people across our city face the same disadvantages and are passionate about the same issues: sexism, racism, class inequality, postcode stereotypes, deprivation, just to name a few.

   

We took this passion and we’ve created a series of thought provoking photography and authentic behind the scenes video footage. Using disposable cameras, as well as digital lenses, the work is complex, with multiple layers.

We gave young people disposable cameras and they’ve made images and collages which looking back now, document lots of memorabilia of the authentic stories and experiences we shared in that safe space.

   

I hope you look at our work in detail.

Here you can see lived experience, hope for the future and the power and strength of today’s youth. We want you to feel the power of acceptance, of hope for the future.

Young people are the future – and the future we want is defined by equality, a radical change in perspective and shattering stereotypes.