The Power Of Attending Demonstrations & Collective Action

- A Young Person's Personal Account

On Saturday 7th June, I attended the anti-austerity protest in London. For me, it was a significant personal milestone. I’ve only recently become more politically outspoken, and this was my first time at a protest of this scale. I’d only been to a few smaller, local demonstrations before. Making the decision to get more involved wasn’t easy. Most of my friends aren’t politically engaged, so it often felt like I was stepping into unfamiliar territory alone. I’ve worried that speaking up might distance me from them, that I’d be seen as “the political one,” always making things serious or judging others for not doing the same. But that’s never how I see it. My anger is directed at systems and institutions, not individuals. Still, it can feel isolating. But with everything going on: the genocide happening; and the crises here in the UK like the cost of living; housing; and mental health, I realised I didn’t want to carry the guilt of staying quiet.

I started following local groups and found the Greater Manchester Stop the War Coalition. When I saw they were heading to London for a People's Assembly National Demonstration Against Austerity 2.0 (with affordable transport, even for me as an unemployed student), I went for it. At first, I was nervous. I thought everyone on the coach might already know each other. But once we arrived, that faded. Being around people who cared about the same issues helped me feel more grounded. It felt good to be part of something collective. Instead of just watching it all happen through a screen, I was actually there, taking part.

As a newbie, I’m still figuring things out. I’m learning how to balance activism with my own mental health (to stay engaged without burning out or putting too much pressure on myself). But there’s no question that being part of events like this matters. Organising matters, and being in community with others who care about justice matters.

Written by Grace (age 22) who attended the National Demonstration Against Austerity 2.0 on Sat 7/6/25

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