Fridays Coventry: A Community Driven Against Knife Crime a One Pound Pantomime at a time

·      Fridays a Coventry foundation setup by local lad

·      One pound panto brings Christmas joy to those who need it
 

In the heart of Coventry, a city challenged with knife crime and the harsh realities of the cost-of-living crisis, Fridays acts to stand as a beacon of hope. Founded by Tyler Campbell, this company has become a catalyst for positive change in the community, combining grassroots efforts to curb knife crime with an innovative approach to alleviate the burdens of the cost-of-living crisis. In this feature article, we will delve into the inspiring story of Fridays and the impact it is making in Coventry.

Fridays logo Credit: Fridays Twitter

Tyler Campbell, a passionate advocate for social change, founded Fridays with a clear vision—to create a safer, more vibrant Coventry. His journey began with a deep understanding of the challenges faced by his community, particularly the alarming rise in knife crime. Fuelled by a desire to make a lasting impact, Tyler set out to establish a company that would address the root causes of violence while actively contributing to the overall well-being of the community. And has been openly transparent about his past behaviour and experiences that drove him into starting the initiative to begin with.

Coventry, like many urban areas, has grappled with the scourge of knife crime, leaving families shattered and communities on edge. Friday have taken a community-driven approach to tackle this issue head-on. Collaborating with local charities, educational institutions, and community organisations, Fridays implement a multifaceted strategy. And thus has won them multiple awards and accommodations for their work.

One of the key components of their approach involved engaging with at-risk youth through educational programs and mentorship initiatives. By providing guidance, support, and alternative pathways for personal development, Fridays aimed to break the cycle of violence. Their efforts extended to families affected by knife crime, offering counselling and support services to help them cope with any issues caused by knife crime. Additionally, as Fridays has grown in stature, they have taken on multiple staff from around Coventry who have come from difficult background and given them a platform to show of creativity and grow as people as the company has created many roles and opportunities. Whether it is creating media for their online platforms or taking part in many of the different activities, clubs, and events they have put on within the community.

Picture of crowd on Thursday night Credit: Fridays Twitter

Emphasis on community involvement and collaboration proved to be a game-changer. Fridays became a platform for dialogue, fostering understanding between different segments of the community. Through meetings, workshops, and awareness campaigns, Fridays encouraged open conversations about the impact of knife crime and the collective responsibility of the community to combat it.

As if their commitment to tackling knife crime wasn't commendable enough, Fridays recently captured the community's imagination with a bold and innovative initiative the one-pound pantomime. At a time when the cost-of-living crisis was tightening its grip on Coventry's residents, Fridays, under Tyler Campbell's leadership, sought to provide a reprieve through affordable entertainment.

The idea of a one-pound pantomime was born out of Tyler's belief in the transformative power of the arts. Recognizing that traditional theatre experiences were often financially out of reach for many families, Tyler envisioned an event that would not only entertain but also offer a budget-friendly escape from the pressures of everyday life.

The one-pound ticket price was a deliberate choice, reflecting Fridays' commitment to accessibility and inclusivity. By making the pantomime affordable for everyone, Tyler and his team aimed to create a shared experience that transcended socio-economic barriers. The production involved local talent, from actors to backstage crew, ensuring that the entire community played a role in bringing the magic of theatre to life.

Actors of the show on stage from Thursday nights showing Credit: Fridays Twitter

The one-pound pantomime, staged by Fridays for families, burdened by the challenges of the cost-of-living crisis, have been turning up in great numbers, creating a sense of unity and shared joy. The laughter of children and the applause of parents echoed through the Methodist Hall, providing an escape for those children and families who need it the most. Speaking to Leanne, who took her children to see the show I could see how the audience were buying into the ideal Fridays are trying to create “It’s great yeah, I love what they’re doing, and I will definitely try and get the family involved with more with what they do.” I asked the mother of two what she thought of the one-pound price “Brilliant again, really brilliant the show was fantastic the kids loved it and all for three pound I couldn’t encourage people to come and bring their families to see this too.”

Showing one of the cast Credit: Fridays Twitter

The cast, drawn from the local community, brought a unique authenticity to the production. Aspiring actors, many of whom faced financial constraints, found a stage to showcase their talents. The one-pound ticket price and additional opportunities for donations and sponsorships meant that the event not only provided entertainment but also served to generate funds for Fridays' ongoing community initiatives.

Image showing more of the cast Credit: Fridays Twitter

Tyler's dual vision for Fridays to combat knife crime and alleviate economic pressures showcases their understanding of the challenges facing Coventry and many other areas within the Uk. The success of the one-pound pantomime demonstrates that innovative solutions can address multiple issues simultaneously, helping to bring joy to those who are going to be feeling the cost-of-living crisis all whilst raising money to give back to the community.

In Tyler Campbell's eyes, “The pantomime was not just a one-time event but a symbol of what is possible when a community comes together. I hope that it has helped serve as reminder to the people who have been here and for those who haven’t come down yet, that even in tough times we can come together and create some time where we can all have some joy. It’s what Christmas is about and also what were about here at Fridays, trying to tackle a number of issues within society even if it is one small step at a time.”

As Fridays continues to make waves in Coventry, it stands as a model for other communities and organisations seeking to make a positive impact. With the leadership and support system around the institution Fridays continue to show unwavering support and understanding that allow them to provide great services such as the pantomime. The company's commitment to addressing the interconnected challenges of knife crime and the cost-of-living crisis serves as an inspiration for those looking to effect lasting change at any level. There are hyperlinks throughout for access to Fridays socials if you are interested in getting involved with the company or to donate to its causes.