by [email protected] | Feb 28, 2026 | Britwell, Events, Participation, Social Action, Volunteering, Young people's voices, Youth Activities, Youth Work
Big Up Britwell 2 proved to be an outstanding success, with young people rating the event an impressive 4.56 out of 5. Building on the energy and impact of the first event, this second instalment brought together more than one hundred young participants for a day dedicated to health, empowerment and, most importantly, listening to the voices of young people.
Hosted at the fantastic Britwell Youth and Community Centre, the event was made possible through funding from Get Berkshire Active. Their support enabled a vibrant and inclusive space where young people could get active, learn new skills and share their perspectives on issues that matter to them.
Intrinsic to the success of the day was the way it had been planned in every aspect through genuine co-production with young volunteers. From the activities on offer to the structure and flow of the event itself, everything reflected their ideas, priorities and vision. It is little wonder that the day resonated so strongly and held such fantastic appeal for the young people it was designed to serve. It was, quite simply, theirs.
Sport, Energy and New Experiences
Physical activity was at the heart of the day, with high-energy sessions delivered by inspiring local partners. Participants honed their skills on the court with TXL’s fast-paced basketball, stepped into the ring to learn boxing techniques with Bulldog Boxing, and developed their cricket abilities with Berkshire Cricket.
The energy extended beyond the playing field, too. BYCP’s fantastic music studio was open for a surprise session, proving to be an incredible hit as young people came together to sing and rap. The day then took a high-tech turn thanks to the wonderful team from Salt Hill VR, who transported participants into immersive digital worlds. More than just gaming, these virtual reality experiences offered a unique way to engage with new technology—building curiosity and providing a fun, shared experience that many were discovering for the very first time.
Collaborating in the studio
Food, Fun and Shrove Tuesday Celebrations
With the event taking place on Shrove Tuesday, food played a special role in the day’s activities. Young people rolled up their sleeves and got hands-on in the kitchen, creating their own delicious smash burgers under the guidance of Chef Kevin Muhammad (recipe below). They also prepared healthy pancakes, putting a nutritious twist on a much-loved tradition.
By combining cooking with conversation about healthier choices, the event reinforced the idea that wellbeing is holistic. It is about moving well, eating well and feeling heard.
Listening to Young Voices
A defining feature of Big Up Britwell 2 was its commitment to meaningful youth engagement, ensuring that young people were not only participants but decision-makers. The listening element of the event was delivered by Slough Youth Parliament, providing a platform for young people to express their views, share their experiences and influence the conversations shaping their community.
This was not simply an event for young people. It was an event shaped by them.
A Community Effort
Big Up Britwell 2 demonstrated what can be achieved when organisations, funders and community spaces collaborate with a shared purpose. The turnout of over one hundred young people, coupled with such high satisfaction ratings, speaks volumes about the appetite for spaces that combine activity, creativity and authentic dialogue.
As the momentum continues to grow, Big Up Britwell stands as a powerful reminder that when young people are trusted, empowered and genuinely heard, the results are extraordinary.
Big Up Britwell Smash Burger “Secret” Recipe
Ingredients (per burger)
1 tsp all-purpose seasoning
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp ground cumin
½ tsp ground coriander
1 tsp breadcrumbs
1 tsp beaten egg
Pinch of chilli flakes
Pinch of black pepper
Optional: pinch of fresh coriander
Instructions
Mix the ingredients
In a bowl, combine all ingredients until evenly mixed.
Shape into a ball
Form the mixture into a compact ball.
Heat the pan
Place a frying pan over medium-high heat.
Prepare the surface
Place a small piece of greaseproof paper over the ball and press down firmly with a masher (or heavy spatula) to create a thin smash burger patty.
Cook
Fry for about 3 minutes on each side, or until nicely browned and cooked through.
To Serve
Place cheese on top of the patty just before it finishes cooking so it melts.
Add to a burger bun.
Spoon over the pan juices.
Finish with your favourite sauce.
by [email protected] | Oct 31, 2025 | Britwell, Cohesion, Events, Food, Health, Impact Management, Participation, Slough, Social Action, Volunteering, Young people's voices, Youth Activities, Youth Work
On Tuesday 28th October, the Britwell Youth and Community Project was buzzing with energy and excitement as more than 80 young people came together for Big Up Britwell – a celebration of youth voice, sport, and community spirit.
The event, made possible through the support of Get Berkshire Active (GBA) and Sport England, had two key goals: to gather young people’s insights on investment in physical activity across Britwell, and to give them a chance to experience just how fun and accessible being active can be.
What made Big Up Britwell truly special, though, was that it was entirely organised by young people. From the creative workshops to the distinctive event name, every detail was co-designed by those who know the community best – its youth.
Activity, Innovation, and Inspiration
Across four vibrant hours, the Britwell Youth and Community Project was transformed into a hub of creativity and movement. Participants took part in back-to-back focus groups and filled out nearly 50 questionnaires, helping to shape the next phase of GBA’s research on youth activity and wellbeing.
Thanks to the brilliant team at Salt Hill VR, attendees were able to try out cutting-edge virtual reality sports, from holographic boxing to the ever-popular Beat Saber.
Meanwhile, Berks & Bucks FA showcased their regular Thursday football sessions, inspiring more young people to get involved in local sport. Athena Angels led a dynamic gymnastics taster sessions, while TXL brought their trademark energy to basketball workshops – both a huge hit with participants.
A Community Effort
The young people at the forefront of organising the event were thrilled with how it went:
“I felt great about being able to take part in organising an event that helped people in the Britwell area, and Slough as a whole, get physically active. It was amazing to help people see the benefits of physical activity and how it can positively impact them, improving both their physical and mental health.” Umar, 15
Reflecting on the success of the day, Rob Deeks, CEO of Together As One, shared his gratitude:
“We are enormously grateful to all of the partners who made this event possible, from our incredible hosts at Britwell Youth and Community Project, to our workshop leads Berks & Bucks FA, Athena Angels, and TXL, and of course our funders. The young people who took part have been clear – they would love to do something like this again.”
A Taste of Healthy Living
No community event would be complete without great food – and Big Up Britwell didn’t disappoint. Local chef Kevin Mohammed treated everyone to lessons in how to make a healthy, delicious chicken shawarma, proving that nutritious cooking can be both simple and satisfying.
Here’s Kevin’s recipe so you can try it at home:
🥙 Chicken Shawarma Recipe
Ingredients:
-
1 chicken breast (or thigh), sliced
-
A pinch of chili powder
-
A pinch of salt
-
1 flat teaspoon smoked paprika
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½ teaspoon ground cumin
-
½ teaspoon ground coriander
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A squeeze of lemon juice
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¼ onion, sliced
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¼ bell pepper, sliced
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A little oil (for frying)
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1 pita bread
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Lettuce
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, mix the chicken with chili, salt, smoked paprika, cumin, coriander, and lemon juice.
2. Slice the onion and peppers.
3. Heat a little oil in a frying pan and cook the chicken for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Add the onion and peppers, then cook until the chicken is cooked through (its juices should run clear).
5. Warm the pita bread, stuff it with the chicken and veggies, add lettuce, and finish with your favourite sauce.
Looking Ahead
Big Up Britwell was more than an event – it was a powerful reminder of what young people can achieve when given the chance to lead, create, and connect. With so much enthusiasm and talent on display, one thing’s certain: this won’t be the last time we do this and we can’t wait for the next one.
Here’s to the next Big Up Britwell – even bigger and better!
by [email protected] | Oct 20, 2025 | Britwell, Events, Food, Football, Health, Participation, Slough, Young people's voices, Youth Activities, Youth Work
We’re excited to invite young people aged 11–18 (or up to 25 with SEND) to join us for Big Up Britwell – a free afternoon of fun, food and sports at the Britwell Youth and Community Project.
Thanks to support from Sport England and Get Berkshire Active, this event is part of a wider commitment to help make Britwell a healthier, more active place to live. Alongside enjoying sports taster sessions, cooking up delicious Chicken Shawarma, and connecting with friends, young people will also have the chance to share their ideas and shape future activities in the community.
Your voice matters — come along, take part, and help guide how we invest in Britwell’s active future.
🗓 Tuesday 28th October, 1–5pm
📍 Britwell Youth and Community Project, Wentworth Avenue
💬 Booking is essential — Click here to book your place or call 01753 574 780.
