Our Town, Our Future

Our Town, Our Future is a Q&A series designed to introduce you to the passionate individuals behind Dewsbury Neighbourhood Board. This month we’re talking to Anum Rehman.

Anum Rehman is a 21 year-old ambulance call handler who lives in Ravensthorpe, Dewsbury.

The youngest member of the Neighbourhood Board, Anum has experience as Youth Voice Champion for the community, as well as her work with the local democracy group. She has also been involved with talks at the University of Huddersfield and the Department of Education about the inclusion of young people in local decision-making.

She joined the Board in 2022 at 18, and prides herself as offering a diverse and fresh perspective, championing the younger generations of Dewsbury.

Tell me a bit about you and why you got involved with Dewsbury Neighbourhood Board?

My introduction to the Board was very spontaneous. It started when I was still studying a uniformed services BTEC at Kirklees College. I’d always wanted to be in the emergency services and I wanted to do a job that helped people.

During my time at college, I did lots of extracurricular activities and was part of the local democracy group. I even went to Huddersfield University and spoke to individuals from the Department of Education about the inclusion of young people in local decision-making that affects them, which was a pretty big moment for me.

I ended up joining the Youth Voice Champions Group, which led to me being introduced to the Dewsbury Neighbourhood Board, when I was asked to prepare a presentation for them.

After delivering my presentation, the opportunity to join the Board arose. At 18, I became a member and feel they’ve really seen me grow both personally and  professionally.

They’ve helped me through job applications, interview stages and supported me through many different milestones in recent years.

It was important to me to join the Board as part of my development, to build my confidence and be a younger representative. I wanted to be a voice for the younger generations of Dewsbury.

As a professional and an individual, what do you bring to the Board?

I believe I offer a fresh, younger perspective, as well as an alternative viewpoint as a Muslim, Asian girl who speaks multiple languages.

A big thing for me is communication and helping to break down barriers in communication – especially when there are different beliefs, values and boundaries to consider.

Despite being young and sometimes feeling hesitant to speak out, I’m always encouraged and when I do, it is always appreciated.

As a member of the Youth Voice Champions, I have been able to feed back to the group about the latest updates from the Board and help bridge those communication gaps.

I also take on board on the opinions and thoughts of those in Young Voices and try to ensure their message is being heard at the Dewsbury Neigbourhood Board meetings.

I aim to bring a focus on valuing different communities to the Board. I want to see people put their differences aside and work together to make Dewsbury an inclusive and vibrant place for all.

What does Dewsbury mean to you personally?

I live in Ravensthorpe, Dewsbury, and have done for most of my life. It’s not perfect but it’s home. Growing up, I had a very sheltered childhood and I never fully understood the risks of society.

Through my role on the Board, going to Kirklees College and exploring the surrounding areas of Dewsbury, I’ve learnt how important it is to support the younger generations and make their experience of growing up safe and positive.

Dewsbury has the potential, but I feel that organisations need to work together to become better connected. This will ensure younger generations are not held back in their development or from opportunities to thrive here.

What excites you the most about Dewsbury?

Definitely seeing the visibility of the impact. I can’t wait for the market to be done and The Arcade to be in place. I want to see the impact and so do the residents of Dewsbury.

We’re starting to see the results of The Arcade already and I’m so excited to see the footfall increase and people enjoying the results of the regeneration.

What’s been one of the biggest challenges or misconceptions about Dewsbury that you’d like to help change, and how would you do that?

There are many different communities in Dewsbury, with some keeping to themselves, which can sometimes leave the town feeling disconnected. But on culture days, these communities come together, sharing their cuisine, music, fashion, and traditions, and suddenly the town feels connected.

For me, I want to live in a world, and a Dewsbury, where this can happen every day. When I see these communities appreciating each other, it creates a far more vibrant and colourful environment.

I want the confidence of these communities to be palpable. I want to see them, hear them and have their shops and businesses thriving on the high street.

Ongoing plans to improve safety goes hand in hand with building that confidence, giving everyone the freedom to express themselves and be part of an exciting future for the town.

If we can make different communities feel more confident, they will be more encouraged to collaborate and work together with the more established organisations, such as the Board or the Council.

What project will make the biggest difference to Dewsbury and why?

 I have a personal attachment to the market and the new park. This project isn’t just about the building work, it’s about what’s going to come out of it – the events, the nightlife and the community coming together. It can be a place where friends and families meet, connect and enjoy each other’s company.

For me, this project will bring joy, atmosphere and emotion. The byproducts of these developments are just as important as the buildings themselves.

I want the experience of passing down fond memories between generations to return to Dewsbury and the market. I hope the regeneration will reignite the sharing of these lived experiences and stories.

If you had to describe Dewsbury in three words, what would they be?

I’d describe Dewsbury as a time capsule. One that carries people’s memories and the moments they’ve shared with their children and grandchildren.

Dewsbury is a town that spans many generations, with deep roots and a strong connection to people who call it home.

What’s your go-to independent spot?

There is a sweet stall in the market that holds lots of childhood memories for me. My family and I have visited it all our lives, especially during Ramadan.

On market day growing up, our parents would take us there as a treat and I vividly remember buying a really big bouquet of iridescent lollipops.

What do you love the most about the people of Dewsbury?

It has to be the multiculturalism – it’s our town’s biggest asset. Dewsbury’s diversity is what brings such a variety of opportunities and access.

The success of any development stems from the different people and communities behind it.