Deeq Ali's death on Spital Hill on 30th October, has shocked local young people. With the help of local youth workers, the Vestry Hall has become a youth centre that many of Deeq’s friends, and young people who knew him, are attending.
The Messenger spoke to them about what had happened:
“Deeq was Abdullah’s cousin, who died in Darnall. They were both at university, they both had a future, they both had potential.”
“Deeq was a really good person, he helped younger kids. We all grew up together.”
“Deeq was a good guy. People see this area as bad, but it's not that dangerous. We make it what it is.”
“Deeq was a quiet and understanding person, he was a role model and used to help supervise activities.”
One young man, Moubarak Moumouni, who is studying Biology and Sports, spoke about how young people and the area are seen negatively, when the reality is different:
“We feel safe in Burngreave despite it having a bad name, we're not bad people and we're not in gangs. Having the Vestry Hall open has been good, it keeps us off the street, it’s like a family. Before, we had nothing to do, now it means we can socialise. Our parents know where we are and they respect us. But giving us the Vestry Hall on a short term basis is worse than never having it in the first place.”
Another young man said:
“This area’s got a bad history of violence, young groups get stereotyped. None of us are violent; we’re not in trouble with the police. For those that have been, it’s in the past.”
Talking about the future, young people said there was a lack of opportunity and places to go.
“They need to invest more money. We’re not getting any jobs. At Tesco, no-one got a job, its a broken promise.”
“There is a lack of opportunities and a lack of support for young people.”
“It is worrying how young people’s lives are cut short over minor issues such as an argument about something minor.”
“Parents need to understand where we are coming from. They all say ‘don’t go out’, but we are grown men, we can’t stay at home.”
“Our parents would like to help but they don't know what to do, more support is needed for parents as well.”
“We need to show our parents we are safe.”
“Why does it take someone to die before something gets done, and how long will this at the Vestry Hall last. We have been needing this and telling them that we needed this for ages.”
“The Vestry Hall is a community building and we should be able to use it. Now we feel involved and not ignored as young people.”