The Speak Out Project is coming to a close. Despite their best efforts, HCYC was unfortunately unsuccessful in securing repeat Lottery funding, meaning the project can no longer be sustained.
After 14 years of producing a magazine that has given young people like us a genuine voice, in this final Speak Out edition we would like to take a moment to say a heartfelt thank you to all of our supporters and audience – and goodbye.
Speak Out was founded in February 2012. Although we weren’t there for the very beginning, we have been part of its journey since 2022. It has changed so much over the years and has had a positive impact on so many young people. We feel incredibly lucky to have been able to contribute and to be part of the community that Speak Out created.
We looked forward to the sessions every week because of the welcoming people and the warm, supportive atmosphere. Filled with engaging activities and encouragement from others, Speak Out was an accepting and enjoyable place to be.
We will miss Speak Out dearly, along with the fun and happy memories it created. Thursday nights, once spent laughing and joking with friends, are now spent at home, reminiscing about what once was. Speak Out has changed over the years, and it has shaped us in ways we will always be thankful for.
We will carry the lessons it taught us forward. It showed us that being ourselves is enough, and that we are constantly growing and evolving as individuals. Speak Out has been a steady presence throughout many phases of our lives – a constant to look forward to during an ever-changing and complicated time.
Speak Out may be coming to an end, but we will never forget the incredible people we met and the memories we made along the way.
#weloveuspeakout
