Social action projects transforming coastal community spaces.
Research shows that many of our coastal communities face unique levels of deprivation.
Poor health outcomes, educational attainment, and employment opportunities have led to a lack of aspiration and sense-of-self in many young people growing up there.
That’s why, thanks to the Co-op Foundation #iwillFund, we’re supporting young people in targeted coastal communities in 2023 to tackle community-space issues, regain a sense of agency and take pride in their local area.
Email stella.baynes@youngcitizens.org to find out more.
Young people in coastal communities face unique challenges. Many feel frustrated that their needs are overlooked and that they aren’t heard. Giving them the skills and confidence to influence decisions about the place they live in is an important step to helping them feel “this is where I belong”.
Georgina, Deputy Youth Services Manager, YMCA Lincolnshire
What’s involved?
Building on pilot projects we facilitated in 2022 we’ve been working with schools and youth organisations in Torbay (South Devon) and along the Lincolnshire coast (Mablethorpe to Skegness) to enable groups of children and young people to develop key life and employability skills through community action projects.
Activities could include:
- educating visitors on the importance of protecting marine life from beach litter
- improving access to youth facilities for all to enjoy
- campaigning to reduce the amount of plastic used by local hospitality
- tackling biodiversity or improving animal habitat
We’re using our established social action programmes the Make a Difference Challenge and Bring About Change to enhance the programme, which runs until the end of 2023.
Participating groups access all of the materials, resources and training for free.
Join the project
The project is open to schools in Lincolnshire, Devon and Somerset.
If you’d like to get involved, contact stella.baynes@youngcitizens.org.
Somerset schools! Beginning with a twilight session on zoom in early Sept, we’ll be giving up to 12 schools and youth organisations in this area support to explore what social action means for their children and young people.
Not based in one of the above areas, but keen to get involved?
- For primary-level projects, check out The Make a Difference Challenge
- Supporting secondary-aged young people? Explore Bring About Change
- Discover our free social action training and CPD opportunities
Acknowledgements
Thank you to the Co-op Foundation for funding this project, along with #iwill , the National Lottery Community Fund and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport.
