As a Youth Worker I seek equality for disadvantaged young people, especially those who are persistently overlooked. I have been working on this mission for the last decade in my home town of Blackpool, seeing first hand the impact of austerity and inequalities.

Writing and Spoken Word have come later and my vision is to combine literacy with my core youth work values to make reading and writing accessible to all kids, regardless of their background. The links between poverty and literacy bugs me - I want to do something about it.

This piece came about through my frustrations of the North-South divide and how, yet again, our children are being let down by those in power. A report from the Children's Commissioner in 2018: Growing Up North highlights much of what is discussed, with a few added twists from 2020's theatrics.

Please note, it's not a slight at anybody from the south, nor is it intended to dilute any struggles that families down south are experiencing, its merely a reflection on the bigger picture and the view from up 'ere. It's a call to those in power to buck their ideas up.

All proceeds (minus Bandcamp fees) will be donated to Fareshare UK, Marcus Rashford's endorsed charity to support children living in poverty.

#EndChildPovertyNow

You can follow me on Instagram: @parker_book or Facebook: Parker Book.

One love x

Ed says:

I love Nathan’s work and his videos have been great recently.
The minute I saw this video I was inspired…I’m not a political person but I am bloody sick of people having a pop at The North and especially our home town of Blackpool!

I’m a huge fan of The Fall and I instantly thought back to one of my favourite tunes ‘Hit The North’, the lyrics, the message, the attitude (and of course the fact they filmed the video in Blackpool)!
Within a few hours, I’d combined Nathan’s words with the shell of the track and it just felt right that we should use it to make a statement, using the power of his words to help raise money for a very worthy cause.

Like Nathan said this isn’t just about us, we know a lot of people need help, and it’s amazing a 22-year old footballer should be leading the charge, the least we can do is get behind the cause!
They can lock us down but they won’t shut us up….silly Northerners ;)

Credits:
Hit the North was written by Mark E Smith and the Fall on Beggar’s Banquet 1987
Check the video here:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=v5zav2yrC7M

Ed is a Blackpool-based DJ/producer, for more info visit: www.edmahonmusic.com