Youth Social Action Resource Hub

The Green Influencers Scheme’s mission is to help young people connect with the natural environment. By taking part in youth-led projects, they learn and develop new skills, open up progression routes and help inspire their local communities to take meaningful action. In total 81 Green Influencers have taken part across Norfolk and 88 in Southampton, each Influencer spending an average of almost 10 hours connecting with nature and leading on climate action. Some projects: The Green Influencer newspaper; Team GreenPhone: The Polygon School’s repair shop for electronic devices; a traditional orchard; an allotment for young people without gardens at home.

This group of young women was united by their passion to make their public spaces safer for the whole community of Stratford (London). They were fed-up with having to avoid particular places because of the fear of experiencing violence, harassment and unwanted attention. Others had experienced the same behavior's in their neighborhoods and on their way to school. Designed by young people, Pop Path creates joyful murals and informative campaigns that bring a sense of community. It also equips members of the community with the information and practical tools to deal with the negative impact of harassment.

Keeping it Wild is a programmed bringing together the youth and conservation sectors to provide opportunities for young people to engage with and protect the capital’s wild spaces, funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. London Youth is part of a consortium of organizations led by London Wildlife Trust delivering a three-year programmer, encouraging young people to reflect on natural spaces, learn about protecting wildlife and then take part in developing and delivering a project or creative campaign to raise awareness and encourage practical conservation in local communities. This is a tried-and-tested methodology and there are some case study videos.

Made in 2020, 'Like A Person' is a short film, which was created by the LGBTQ+ young people of the Swindon-based Out of the Can youth project. This educational film captures the young people’s experiences in school and at home of allyship from those around them (e.g., teachers, parents, fellow pupils) and the huge difference that this makes in letting them be themselves and thrive. Examples include not misgendering a young person (using their chosen name and pronouns) and setting a positive example by standing up for a young person who was being bullied.

A National Citizen Service cohort of young people developed The Pink Paint Project, as they were keen to spread positive spirits in their local community and raise awareness about where people can find help for mental health issues as many young people struggle with this. They painted canvases and added the Samaritans helpline number onto them, before hanging them up in shops and community centres around Chesterfield (UK). They did a bake sale, making £268 for the Samaritans while raising the Samaritans’ profile. They chose the colour Baker-Miller Pink because it is shown to temporarily reduce aggressive behaviour.

In Project 13, students initially narrowed down their choice of topic to ‘academic anxiety’. Each student designed their own contributions with guidance and assistance from adults and peers to create a classroom maze, which was representative of navigating the teenage years. Titled “The Maze of Emotions," it was constructed of PVC pipe and connectors and then filled with writing and art (later exhibited). Related learning and passions were also showcased onstage and/or in the classroom. Read the full article for useful insights into the steps in the development of this project.