Finding Strength in Words: Working with Y.A Poet

When Yasmin Ali first connected with REZON8, she brought with her a strong background as a spoken word artist, blending lyrical storytelling with activism, empowerment, and identity. She stepped into her role at REZON8 as a facilitator and co-lead, working closely alongside Kieron to deliver the REZON8 Bootcamp: an intensive programme designed to help young people explore mental health through music and creativity. Reflecting on her journey, Yasmin shared how working with REZON8 has deepened her practice, not by changing her approach to art but by refining her role as a facilitator, mentor, and advocate within a structured creative environment.

“Co-facilitating the Bootcamp meant adapting in real time to the needs of the group.”

“It’s about striking the balance between guiding and allowing them to guide themselves.”

Through the Bootcamp, Yasmin has helped create spaces where young people can use lyrics to process complex emotions and experiences. She witnessed how even participants who initially struggled to open up eventually found their voice through writing.

“Sometimes you see a young person write a line that says everything they’ve been carrying,”

“That one line can be a breakthrough.”

Yasmin emphasised that working with young people at REZON8 isn’t about chasing polished performances — it’s about creating a foundation of trust, where self-expression is valued over perfection. Sessions often shift depending on what the group needs most in the moment, requiring flexibility and deep listening.

“It taught me patience”

“Sometimes a session isn’t about producing a full piece. Sometimes it’s about them feeling heard for the first time.”

As a co-facilitator of the Bootcamp, Yasmin plays a key role in shaping the delivery of REZON8’s mission: using creative expression as a pathway to emotional literacy, resilience, and empowerment. Her leadership, rooted in her own lived experience as an artist and activist, brings authenticity to every session.

Looking ahead, Yasmin remains committed to using poetry and spoken word as tools for building confidence, healing, and community among young people, both within REZON8 and beyond.

“This work reminds me why I started writing in the first place”

“It’s about being real, being seen, and helping others find their voice, too.”