As part of Sunderland Youth Action Unlocked, a group of young people came together with one shared goal: to support people in their community who may be struggling to access everyday essentials.
Youth Action Unlocked has brought young people from across Sunderland together to develop social action projects focused on issues that matter to them and their communities. Through the programme, young people are supported to explore ideas, build confidence and create projects that can make a real difference.
This group decided to create personalised care packages for mums in their community who were struggling to afford everyday essentials. They explained that their project was “about helping people who are not as privileged… and provide things that are necessities that other people can’t afford.”
Working together, the young people carefully selected items they felt would make the biggest difference. The care packages included everyday essentials such as shampoo, body wash, deodorant, washing powder, toilet rolls, food including cereal, bread, butter and yoghurt, as well as water bottles for mums and children.
Throughout the project, the young people experienced what it felt like to work collaboratively with others who were also passionate about creating positive change. One of their favourite experiences from the project was attending the Youth Action Unlocked hack event at City Hall in Sunderland, where young people from different communities came together to share ideas and develop projects. The group said: “All the communities came together to help the same thing.” Meeting other young people involved in social action projects also helped them feel connected to something bigger.
For many of the group members, this is the first time they had ever taken part in something like this. They described the experience as “totally new territory for most of us.”
But through the project they began to see the difference young people can make when they are trusted to lead ideas that matter to them. When asked how it felt to be creating an impact at a young age, the group described feeling “special” and “empowered.”
One group member said: “It makes you feel like you’ve actually got a voice and you can actually make a change in society.”
Throughout the project, the group developed important life and employability skills as they highlighted communication, teamwork and work skills as some of the key things they had built along the way.
When reflecting on what they were most proud of, the young people focused not only on the final outcome but also on the process of working together. The group said they were proud that “we even came up with it” and “our teamwork to work together.”
Looking back on the experience, the group’s message to other young people was clear: “You should definitely do KEY+, it builds confidence.”
The group also wanted to recognise the support they received throughout the project, sharing a “Big thank you to Mariam [Group Facilitator], she’s the one who got us all together and encouraged us.
Through Sunderland Youth Action Unlocked, the group were able to turn conversations and ideas into practical action that could support people in their community. By creating personalised care packages, the group hoped not only to provide practical support but also to help people feel seen, valued and connected to their local community.
Their project showed that even small acts of kindness can strengthen community connections and remind people that support is available when they need it most.
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The Key