The Mall Wood Green held a very special event on 23 September to celebrate the hugely successful S.M.I.L.E-ing Boys Project and Exhibition in support of the Godwin Lawson Foundation (GLF). The creative arts, happiness project was established by artist, Kay Rufai, to addresses the mental health needs of black boys, while challenging the negative stereotypes of this demographic in both the media and society.

The event, which was hosted by The RecShop at the shopping centre, was a great way to bring together, the boys, their families, teachers and mentors, artist and project creator, Kay Rufai, staff from The Mall Wood Green and local charity, the GLF.

Catriona Baillie, The Mall Wood Green’s Marketing Manager explained: “We were keen to hold an event at The Mall to bring the boys and Kay back together as it has been several months since the S.M.I.L.E-ing Boys workshop took place. We wanted the event to be a celebration of the boys and their brilliant achievements and were determined to make a fuss of them – being exhibited in their local shopping centre is a big deal.”

The evening got off to a great start with guests meeting at City Square, to view the exhibition and take photos. Attendees were then welcomed to award-winning music studio and social enterprise, The RecShop by Founder, Mary Otumahana, who later performed as WondRWomN.

As well as speeches from The Mall’s General Manager, Samantha Davidson and Kay Rufai, attendees watched a short behind the scenes video about the project and were treated to musical performances from some of the amazing young artists mentored by Mary, and a DJ set from Ace the DJ. Several of the boys also shared their experiences of the project.

The event was the perfect opportunity to introduce GLF founder, Yvonne Lawson to the attendees as the charity’s goals and aspirations align perfectly with what the Project is trying to achieve.

Speaking on the night, Yvonne said: “London Youth Crime figures show a significant rise since lockdown restrictions eased, and we cannot be complacent about this serious problem. Through The Mall’s partnership with the GLF we have raised more than £5,000 which has allowed us to offer 1:1 mentoring to young people in Haringey who are at risk of criminality. During the pandemic, our mentoring services were offered online and to date over 300 young people have benefitted from this service.

“This year we decided to collaborate with the S.M.I.L.E-ing Boys Project, which has enabled us to elevate our common goals together. With appropriate intervention and support, young people will achieve their fullest potential and stay away from crime. Together we can reduce youth violence.”

Reflecting on the Project and the celebration evening, Kay Rufai commented: “Through the partnership with The Mall, the celebration event enabled us to platform the beautiful smiling faces of these black boys across the centre – a place so central to their everyday lives, within their own community. No place epitomises that more than the shopping centre where they, their friends, their mothers’ friends and their friend’s cousin all go to get their supplies, only to be told: “Yo Nyre you’re famous, your face is in The Mall,” or getting a text saying: “Ain’t this your son?” , but this time not for a wanted poster, or an RIP, but instead, an affirming statement of value and belonging to rebalance the narrative associated with these faces.

“It was special to watch these boys see themselves and be celebrated by their friends, teachers and strangers. And to see them swell with pride and self-worth…well that was the icing on the cake!”

Catriona Baillie added: “Such an enjoyable event with an amazing atmosphere. I’m thrilled that we were able to draw everyone together and celebrate in true Wood Green style.”

Portraits and artwork created in collaboration with students from Woodside High School in Wood Green as part of the project, have been on show at The Mall since August.

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For further information contact The Mall Wood Green on 020 8826 1904 or email Catriona.baillie@themall.co.uk

Photo Captions:

1. Catriona Baillie, Marketing Manager for The Mall Wood Green, GLF Founder, Yvonne Lawson, Artist, Kay Rufai and The Mall’s General Manager, Samantha Davidson
2. Boys from Woodside High School and their families
3. Nyre with his portrait
4. Ty’s moment of fame

NOTE TO EDITORS:

About Capital & Regional plc

Capital & Regional is a UK focused retail property REIT specialising in shopping centres that dominate their catchment, serving the non-discretionary and value orientated needs of the local communities. It has a strong track record of delivering value enhancing retail and leisure asset management opportunities across a c. £1.9 billion portfolio of in-town shopping centres. Capital & Regional is listed on the main market of the London Stock Exchange and has a secondary listing on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange.

Capital & Regional owns seven shopping centres in Blackburn, Hemel Hempstead, Ilford, Luton, Maidstone, Walthamstow and Wood Green. Capital & Regional manages these assets through its in-house expert property and asset management platform.