The 2021 Bright Spots survey identified bullying as an area of concern among looked-after children. Young Voices Influencing Care explored ways to best approach the topic and identified the strength and importance of responding to this subject with positivity to nurture meaningful change.
In response, these dedicated and creative young people decided to write a song celebrating and respecting each other’s differences. Although this was devised by a group of looked-after children, Young Voices Influencing Care were clear that this would be an anthem for young people in Hull. Rather than being used as a wedge to divide, our uniqueness – individually and culturally – can bring people together and make a stronger society. From this simple and powerful message, the chorus was created and, working in collaboration with Hull’s music service, the rest of the song began to take shape. Not content with writing the song, Young Voices Influencing Care also lent their voices to the first recording of Shine Bright.
‘Shine Bright’ was officially launched during anti-bullying week in November 2024 as part of a host of activities led by Young Voices Influencing Care, including encouraging all council staff to wear odd socks to highlight and celebrate our differences. At the same time, an instrumental version of the song was made the permanent ‘on-hold’ music for all Hull City council customer service phone lines. As a result, all Hull residents have been invited to celebrate their differences and unite against bullying…
“This is a fantastic initiative to highlight the individuality and uniqueness of your young people. It was great for them to be able to work with the council’s music service and create such an inspiring song that everyone who calls 300300 will hear.”
- Councillor Linda Tock, Portfolio Holder for Children and Young People
Shine Bright also became the centrepiece of the Hull City Council Christmas sing-along, where our young people took to the stage and led staff, councillors and the Lord Mayor himself in a performance of our anthem.
Since its launch, Shine Bright has made waves across the region and has been officially declared Hull’s ‘Song for the City 2025’. Young people across the city have embraced the message of Shine Bright and its origins within the Young Voices Influencing Care group, culminating in a sing-along with more than 3,000 children at Hull’s premiere music venue, Connexin Live.
On Friday 31 October, the hard work of Young Voices Influencing Care was rewarded at the national Coram Voice Amplify Awards ceremony, when Shine Bright was awarded third place in the Campaign category.