Spring into Action
Here at The Key, we see youth social action as 'Young people undertaking practical activity in the service of others in order to create positive social change that is of benefit to their community as well as to the young person themselves.'
We're on a mission to inspire more young people to take action and make a change. Whether that's by campaigning, action or volunteering. Here's just a few ideas and past examples to get you thinking and started on your social action journey thanks to Virgin Money Foundation, The National Lottery Community Fund and #iwill...
Campaigning against racism!
Key Group: Mythbusters
In a bid to raise awareness and stop racial and religious hatred, three youngsters from Gateshead Youth Council, launched their own poster competition across the region. The group contacted all secondary schools in Gateshead and invited their pupils to submit their own poster to help prevent racial and religious hatred. Judges made up of Gateshead Youth Assembly members and a local group of refugees and asylum seekers chose their winners and awarded prizes for the top three.
Creating crime prevention hampers for vulnerable victims!
Key Group: Crime Prevention
Five teenagers prepared crime prevention hampers filled with items to help make homes safer and deter offenders from targeting them. The crime prevention hampers were distributed to vulnerable and isolated members of the community most at risk of becoming victims of crime, helping them feel safer in their home with alarms, dummy cameras and more crime busting items.
Revamp an unused space and turn it into a youth zone!
Key Group: Neo nd Kailey
Took an unused shed at the back of their youth club and transformed it into a workshop that will help young people learn new skills in a local, safe and youth-led atmosphere. Neo nd Kailey will also be running bike maintenance sessions from their new space too!
Campaigning against local youth cuts!
Key Group: J.A.R.
Fighting against the recent cuts to youth provision in Sunderland these youngsters created a campaign video to spread the word and shout about the impact that cuts would have on young people in the region. The success of the video, and their campaign, saw many sign a petition which they hand delivered to Number 10 Downing Street.
Hampers for the NHS!
Key Group: All Stars
All Stars wanted to show their appreciation to the NHS and those working tirelessly within it by creating hampers for NHS nurses and doctors. Filled with snacks, refreshments and stress relieving items the All Stars delivered the packs to their two chosen wards - Oncology and ICU.
Action against period poverty!
Key Group: Project M
These youngsters started their own version of the 'C' card aimed at tackling period poverty. The M Card will now help young women (aged 11-25) access free sanitary products and get advice by simply showing their M Card.
Brighten up a dull community space with some colour!
Key Group: Martin's Minions
Martin's Minions took a dull looking youth and community centre and turned it into a bright and inviting space for children and young people. The group spruced up some old rooms with a lick of paint before creating kids character masterpieces at the front entrance for all to enjoy.
Get the community active!
Key Group: Fabulous Five!
Fabulous Five promoted women’s health by organising their own event which invited along healthy takeaway suppliers, coppafeel and fitfam to host workshops, personal training sessions and talks about the importance of taking care of both your mental and physical health, check for health risks and get fit and stay active.
Start your own community project and cook up a healthy storm!
Key Group: The Chicken Dippers
On a mission to beautify some dilapidated land by turning it into a community garden shop and space, this group inspired local families to become healthier by introducing them to new homegrown veg before showing them how to turn it into a cheap and tasty family meal.
Fundraise to make a difference to a local cause!
Key Group: DIY Whiskers
After visiting a local cat shelter in need of improving their facilities, these young women felt inspired to help. They set about sourcing vital equipment and raising funds needed to build extra facilities to help shelter more cats.
Host free weekly workshops to help others learn new skills!
Key Group: Team SALT
Young people from Keelman's Way School were on a mission to help young people learn how to effectively communicate with peers, parents and carers. The group decided to host weekly chatterbox sessions with young people before inviting parents and carers into the final session to learn how to better communicate with young people with specific needs.
Set up your own youth parliament!
Key Group: Youth Parliament
With a passion to positively influence and contribute to their local communities and be a voice for local young people, this group decided to set up their own youth parliament who meet regularly, campaign on issues that matter most and help to make their local town a better place to be.
Got your own ideas? We'd love to hear them or even better... see them in action! Start your Social Action journey today with #iwilltakeaction. Get in touch theteam@thekeyuk.org, 0191 731 7830 or Facebook message or tweet us :)
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