About the project and the consert
The Bee the Difference project was initiated in early 2022, in response to a recognition that the support offered to young people who survived the Manchester Arena terror attack in May 2017 was inconsistent and sadly, lacking. Inspired by research conducted in Oslo after the 22 July attack, the project was founded by Dr Cath Hill from Lancaster University, disaster response charity the National Emergencies Trust and nine incredible young survivors.
Together, they co-designed a research survey to provide evidence to advocate for better support for young people affected by terrorism and to lobby government and policy makers. The survey which was completed by over 200 young people led to a report which evidenced the gaps in service provision and advocated for six ways to create change. Please read the report, which has a foreword by His Highness the Prince of Wales.
It was a love of music which brought the young people together at a concert on that fateful night and music was how this group initially connected. Joining Manchester Survivors Choir in 2018, all the young women recognised the importance of music, song and friendship as a way to help them through their trauma and wanted to use music to inspire other young people to take part in the research project. The group use song to share their message and to communicate the emotive and important issues that young survivors face.
We will sing three songs:
A Million Dreams, from the Greatest Showman (full group)
Always remember us this way, from A star is born
Never Let Go, written for the Project by Bee the Difference member Ellie Taylor