Slough charity remembers Benjamin Zephaniah as 'warm' and 'influential' patron

Benjamin Zephaniah has been remembered as a 'warm' and 'hugely influential' patron by a youth charity in Slough after news of his passing was announced today (December 7). 

The writer, poet and Peaky Blinders star had a 13-year association with Together as One during which he met with young people and was a supporter of its spoken word society 'Empoword'.

Together As One, formerly known as Aik Saath, was set up in the wake of 90s gang violence in Slough, with the aim of promoting peace through a youth-led movement.

This year marked its 25th anniversary.

Charity CEO, Rob Deeks said: “He [Zephaniah] was hugely influential and incredibly warm, he had a fantastic rapport with the young people that we work with.

“He was an international star, with his poetry and his work with Peaky Blinders, and for him to take an interest in a small community organisation in Slough meant so much to everyone here.”

When asked why Zephaniah was interested in Together as One, Rob said they shared common principles.

“I think its about values," Rob said. "A belief in equality, helping people to help themselves and a belief in helping people to strengthen their communities and fight for better change.”

Zephaniah had regular correspondence with Together as One and met with young people in 2012 - the last of which was in 2022.

“I remember the first time he called, I almost dropped my cup of tea,” said Rob.

“We had a lad on work experience, learning how to handle the phones, and he just said one day: ‘I’ve got someone called Benjamin Zephaniah on the phone’.

“However much you spoke to him you still felt a little star struck.”

More information on Together as One can be found on its website.