The Wake-Up Room

Developed by Postcode Parents support group, this proactive group curated the innovative Participatory Action Research installation, named ‘The Wake-Up Room’. The Wake-Up Room takes lived experiences of trauma and transforms them into visual & audio representations using mixed media methods . The aim of The Wake-Up Room is to give a voice to those socially oppressed with the hope of bringing about social change.

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Our first installation aimed to share experiences of pain felt in the aftermath of a child being taken away by knife and gun crime. Breaking the silence, gives a voice to parents bereaved as a result of serious youth violence, with the intention of bringing about understanding of families trauma and the hope of inspiring change in the community.

 

With the rapid increase in serious youth violence across London, projects such as the Wake-Up Room are more relevant and important than ever, ‘breaking the silence’ of these secondary victims and their families means forcing their lived experience to the forefront. Though it may make for uncomfortable viewing and listening, there is much to be learned from the accounts of those bereaved through serious youth violence. Making meaning by sharing their stories of trauma may provide these parents with some comfort and with wider acknowledgement of their traumatic experiences, could impact and improve the social process used to support the victims of serious youth violence..

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The Wake-Up Room was launched at the University of East London's, Way Out East Gallery in March 2019. The Launch was covered by ITV's Ria Chatterjee and was featured on London ITV News (see video Above). 

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If you are interested in hosting The Wake-Up Room Installation where you are, please get in contact manager@charlieburnsfoundtion.co.uk