You Are Here: Sunderland

This audio marker features a special Manifesto for the Future of Sunderland, a time-capsule of hopes and dreams created by the brilliant Sunderland Youth Council. This was created during workshops where the group explored the city's past and envisioned its future.

After listening, we'd love for you to share your own hopes and dreams for our city on our website: https://thesixtwenty.com/you-are-here-sunderland-manifesto

The Sunderland Youth Council is made up of young people (11-19) who are actively making sure their voices are heard and helping to shape Sunderland's future. They're all about making a difference and creating positive change for everyone. You can find out more about them and how to join the group here: https://www.togetherforchildren.org.uk/sunderland-youth-council

TRANSCRIPT OF AUDIO:

You are here. Right now. In Keel Square. The centre of the city. Our home. Sunderland.

You are here. In the past. The present. And the future. Take a moment to look around. Imagine what this place, our city has seen. Imagine what it used to be. And what it is right now.

What do you see? (what do you) Hear? (what do you) Feel? Now. Let’s imagine what this city could be. What kind of Sunderland do you want?

This isn’t just about imagining a future. It’s about honouring our past. Learning from our history. To shape what comes next. This is a snapshot of us. The young people of this city. Right here, right now.

Our hopes. Our dreams. What matters to us. What we want to change. And what we need to hold on to.

An Anthem for Tomorrow.

This is our Youth Manifesto for the Future of Sunderland.

Imagine this…

Imagine this. You are here. In the future. In these streets. MURALS & ART

Where every corner is alive with art. Art made by all of us, the people of this city. A living canvas, where every wall tells a story. A place people travel to see. In this city, we are all artists.

YOUTH SPACES

Old buildings, now burst with life again. Youth spaces, community places - made for all of us. Open all across the city. Open whenever we need. Homes from home - to connect, create and simply be. This is Sunderland, built for us, its community.

YOUTH VOICE

Young people help shape Sunderland’s future. Our voices fill the rooms where decisions are made. Hand in hand with leaders, our vision becomes action. Our ideas spark change. Our votes transform. This city champions us, its young people.

TRANSPORT

Your city, now at your fingertips. Just hop on the bus or Metro - it’s now free for everyone. Safe and dependable and reaching every postcode. Travel just got easy. Our city is connected and moves with you.

WELL BEING Your mental health comes first here. You know, without a doubt, you’re supported. Well-being is woven into our schools, work and home lives. We learn to care for our minds, just like any other vital skill. And if you need support? You know where to go. In this city, you're heard and cared for. 6. LEGACY AND INNOVATION

And imagine this… A city built on the innovation that launched ships and illuminated the world with glass. A city built on the legacy of its makers and creators. Now reaching forwards, creating new opportunities and building lasting careers and jobs right here. This city, this community, where our history and stories invite us to dream boldly - shaping a future that’s ours. ALTERNATE LAST LINE: This city, this community: where our history and stories shape our future. CONCLUSION

You are here. Now. In these streets.

What do you imagine for the future of Sunderland? Take a moment to think about it. What changes would you love to see? What hopes do you have for our city?

We invite you to add your own ideas and dreams to our Manifesto for the Future and share what really matters to you. You can do this by visiting our website. You should see a link in the description for this audio marker.

Outro

And when you're ready to explore more, find the other 'You Are Here' audio markers.

Sing Along with Harry Swanson

As you take in the magnificent Sunderland Empire, join us for a wonderful trip down memory lane with Harry Swanson. Hear his heartwarming tales of youthful days spent singing his heart out with his friends Alan, Arthur and Derek. They'd often gather outside the Wheat Sheaf pub on Johnson Street, singing their favourite Mills Brothers tunes.

You'll discover how these impromptu performances even led to an audition for a local talent show at The Sunderland Empire. Though a later recording at Liverpool House met an accidental end!

Step Back in Time with Harry Swanson.

Born in 1931, Harry shares his adventures of growing up right here in Sunderland. From adventurous games in the old Gill Cemetery to collecting shrapnel with his brother during World War II. It's a glimpse into a past filled with unexpected adventures, even with an unexploded bomb! Harry reminds us how these years, despite the war, were some of the best years of his life, full of friendship and fun.

Unearthing Sunderland's Hidden History. Step into a fascinating, slightly eerie piece of Sunderland's past with Paul, who shares a personal favourite spot: the long-lost Gill Cemetery. Opened way back in 1839, this ground holds the stories of thousands.

Though it closed in the 1850s and was eventually covered up, its headstones removed, this ground later became playgrounds and even bomb shelters, with the very last headstones buried beneath the new Eye Infirmary. Today, only a few quiet gateposts remain as a hint to what lies beneath. Join us to uncover the intriguing secrets and perhaps even some ghostly tales of this forgotten place.