Lewisham Youth Conference 2016. Pic: Emma Pradella

Hundreds of Lewisham teenagers flocked to Goldsmiths for a day dedicated to broadening their career horizons hosted by the comedian Tom Moutchi.

The Youth Conference, held at Goldsmiths College, encouraged young people to achieve their dreams. Artists such as Paigey Cakey, a female MC from Hackney, and rapper MS Banks performed to an audience of 500 people.

Vicky Foxcroft, MP for Lewisham Deptford, gave a speech alongside Hamma Dimtsu, deputy Lewisham Young Mayor; and Liam Islam, former Lewisham Young Mayor.

Andrew Brown, founder and director of Lewisham Youth Conference, said: “It’s all about empowering and inspiring young people to think about things and to do things differently.”

Over 50 stalls gave information about different career paths, apprenticeships, employment and other types of training.

The event aimed at informing teenagers and their parents about the different options they could choose from. It also recognised the positive impact that young people can have on the communities as well as their peers.

Shinelle Clement, social media and marketing responsible at Elevating Success UK, said: “Being in Lewisham, there’s a lot of young people that may struggle from aspiration and their lifestyle may limit them from reaching further.

“The event shows that it doesn’t really matter where you’re from. You can make it, believe in your dreams and make it possible.”

Additional reporting by Michelle Aigbogun