See Us, Hear Us sought to examine the question ‘to what extent do social, political and institutional environments impact the lives of Black girls in Lambeth.’ In this initial pilot study, this question was broken down into key research areas: community, schooling and mental health, as well as sub areas allowing for a nuanced analysis. The respondents, who at the time of research were aged between 12 and 18, were all from the London Borough of Lambeth and identified as Black girls.

The research was carried out through the framework of Black girlhood, which is essentially a lens that aims to not only understand but to also uplift the experiences of girls in their childhood. Within this, the young girls are given the freedom to become the experts of their own experiences.

Quite simply, Black girls are asking for “somewhere I can go that is safe, but not my home.” The words are not only heart-breaking but emblematic of the society that has failed to protect Black girls."