The ‘We B’Come One’ project will use the centenary anniversary of Middlesbrough’s iconic Transporter Bridge as an inspiration for young people from a range of diverse backgrounds to research Teesside’s long industrial, social and cultural heritage and create a new film about the history of the area.

Head of Heritage Lottery Fund North East, Ivor Crowther said, “We B’Come One’ is a fantastic project that will give young people the chance to bring stories from the past alive for the 21st century. It’s great to know that the young people will be taking the lead and making decisions’ along the way, equipping them with valuable skills for the future. We at HLF know that today’s young people will be the heritage guardians of tomorrow which is why projects like this are so important.” 

The project, led by 15 dedicated young people who meet every Wednesday from 5pm, at Teesside University, Victoria Building, will visit local heritage sites and interview local people from different communities to collect their stories and research different cultures to build a picture of Teesside’s past.

The young people will also visit one of the world’s largest Chemical producers and research the industry which dominated the landscape of the surrounding region, the ICI and Wilton Plant. They will also explore the heritage of the Mining Industry at the Cleveland Ironstone Mining Museum, the only museum in the UK which tells the story of Ironstone mining.

Through their project they will aim to retell the stories of how local miners worked in difficult conditions to bring 6.2 million tons of ironstone to the surface and show how these industries impacted on the communities of Cleveland and Teesside.

Though their research and involvement in ‘We B’ Come One’, the young people will learn new skills including; project management; research, recording, teamwork and graphic design. Working closely with Teesside Archives and the Middlesbrough Museum, the young people will use their new skills to create a documentary style film to help tell the story of Teesside. The DVD is to be used throughout local schools, libraries and local colleges.

Chief Executive of Humanah Community Consortium CIC, William Meli said, "This is excellent news for our organisation and the young people who worked hard to develop this project. 'We B’Come One' is a good opportunity for young migrants and mainstream youth to come together, visit and explore new places in Teesside to research and understand its history and prospects for the future. They will meet new people, have fun, develop essential life skills and gain ASDAN Youth Achievement Awards at the end of the project."

Notes to editors

Humanah Community Consortium CIC work and encourage people from different backgrounds to understand each other by giving support in overcoming some of the social barriers that occur when sharing a community.

Further information
For the Heritage Lottery Fund, please contact Lucinda Tyrell on 0207 591 6031 or lucindat@hlf.org.uk