Hip Hop collective Antidote have been touring schools ahead of UTH City App Launch
A hip hop collective have been touring local schools in preparation for the launch of a brand new App, which has been designed to improve lives and prevent suicide in young people, aged between 11 -18 years.
In recent months the five-strong group – Ore Adeyemo, Israel Harrison, Dominic Hitchins, Destiny Espino and Dave Adebiyi have spoken and performed at several schools throughout Stoke-on-Trent in preparation for one of many launch days – including Thistley Hough Excel Academy and St Thomas Moore Catholic Academy.
On Saturday 3 May, Antidote are set to perform in the fan zone at Port Vale Football Club for the official launch of the App.
(Images supplied by Ruff and Ruby)
“We have had an amazing response so far from our school tour performances,” said Antidote member, Ore.
“It’s been really important to us to receive feedback and to learn how much of an impact the lyrics have had already with young people.”
Ore adds: “We wanted to write something to relate to the UTH CITY App, which is going to be really inspirational and impactful for the youth and hopefully we have done that with Light and Dark mode.
“The App aims to move away from negativity and how sometimes we can feel that we aren’t good enough and instead to look at the positives in life and what we can do to encourage that.”
Feedback from a member of staff at Thistley Hough Excel Academy following one of the assemblies mentioned “I have had so much positive feedback from staff and students alike-they loved it. You were all inspiring, engaging and sent a really positive message to students.
“It was amazing to see students up and dancing/rapping and lovely to see the energy and enthusiasm with which your team interacted with the students during and after the assemblies.
“It’s fantastic to see a team of positive role models for the younger generations of Stoke. Wishing you all the luck in the world as you launch the app.”
Antidote are set to visit more Stoke-onTrent Schools as well as Stoke-on-Trent College in the coming months as part of their tour to talk about the ‘UTH City’ app – which has been created following one year of extensive research by Ruff & Ruby Urban Youth Charity and Stoke-on-Trent Youth Collective (SOTYC), to provide a digital space for youth engagement, activities and support all in one place.
Funding for the initial UTH City App project was awarded to Ruff & Ruby from the National Lottery Community Fund. Ruff & Ruby were supported in submitting their bid by Coalfields Regeneration Trust.
Founder of Ruff and Ruby Urban Youth Charity – which was formed in 2010 to engage, empower and help young people to reach their potential – Dawn Reynolds said: “Antidote have done brilliantly in creating their brand new lyrics for their empowering music track UTH CITY: Light in Dark mode.
“The track is perfect for what the UTH CITY App is all about – which is to help young people and is potentially life changing.
“During our recent school tour Antidote members delivered 20 minute assemblies where they shared a multi media presentation and their track. The feedback from the schools has been brilliant and further supports the importance of the App.
“We’re now looking forward to an opening launch day on the 3 May, at Port Vale FC, and we encourage supporters to please come and chat with us to find out more.”
The Light in Dark mode track is available to download from all platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music and YouTube. The track can also be listened to here https://song.link/
Follow Antidote on social media (Facebook, TikTok and Instagram) for updates @anti_doteofficial
Features on the UTH CITY App include local events, activities, education, training, jobs, apprenticeships and support services and the app also has its own unique suicide prevention button – which is linked to under 18s crisis care team and Staffordshire Police.
A further launch will also be taking place at Stoke City Football Club in the summer along with further tours of schools and colleges later in the year.
For more information and to find out how to support the ‘UTH City App’ please contact Ruff & Ruby Email: in**@*********by.com
Visit Ruff and Ruby Urban Youth Charity www.ruffandruby.com and SOTYC www.sotyc.co.uk