MELISSA

SUMMER AT BANG

Over the last few months of my internship, I have been working across multiple departments and contributing to several of BANG’s community-focused programmes.  

My time here is already proving to be invaluable, giving me hands-on experience, the opportunity to strengthen my skills, and develop a clearer understanding of the vital role BANG plays in supporting creativity, culture, and wellbeing for young people within the community. 

At the beginning of the holiday period, I supported a special edition of the Heritage Project, hosted at BANG HQ for students from Preston Park Primary School. The session featured an inspiring art workshop led by artist Nadia Lamaani. My main responsibility during the day was to document the workshop, which allowed me to learn and apply different filming techniques, capturing the energy, creativity, and enthusiasm of the young people. 

I also took part in a one-off Heritage Club session facilitated by Lyvonne. This fast-paced workshop focused on the concepts of heritage and culture, encouraging us to reflect on how these are experienced in everyday life. The discussions provided fresh perspectives and highlighted the importance of dialogue in understanding identity and belonging.  

A major part of my work included supporting the delivery of the 2025 summer edition of the Wellth Club. I collaborated closely with the primary facilitator, Thembi, to design, prepare, and deliver a variety of sessions to a large group of young people. These included a healthy eating workshop, a community sports day, and a youth-led interview with Georgia Gould, MP for Queen’s Park and Maida Vale.  

Each session required thoughtful planning and flexibility, especially the sports day, where the unpredictable weather demanded extra adaptability. I was able to contribute both creatively and practically to making it a success. 

By working alongside Thembi, I was able to develop a strong foundation in project planning and facilitation. From brainstorming ideas and creating structured activities to managing logistics and supporting delivery, I strengthened my organisational and communication skills. 

The youth-led interview with Georgia Gould was a particular highlight, as it not only gave young people the chance to engage directly with a local leader and provide an insight into where they live, but also provided me with valuable experience in managing discussions in a professional environment. 

Overall, my internship at BANG has proven to be an entertaining and inspiring journey. I am continuously building new skills across the board, especially in project planning, business management, and session facilitation, while also learning the importance of teamwork and adaptability in a community-driven organisation.  

I look forward to continuing my work at BANG and further developing the skills that will support me in my future career.