Impact is a programme and project of the YCW movement in England and Wales. It is made up of young people aged between 13 and 17 who meet regularly in groups in parishes, schools or local communities.
Impact exists for the same reason that the whole of the YCW movement exists; because there is a terrible contradiction between what we believe to be the value and potential of young people, and what many young people experience in society that often exploits or disregards their dignity, purpose and value.
Like in YCW groups, the Impact members gather together to See and share the issues that concern them, Judge these issues through reflection on the Scriptures and Church teaching and commit to Act so that they can make a difference in their local communities. This is all achieved in a fun and friendly environment at a level which is appropriate to
Through this action, the young people will not only be helping others but will also grow in responsibility to enable them to develop as responsible Christian citizens.
They are enabled in a fun way, to share issues that concern them, to reflect together in faith, and to commit to make a difference.
Many of the young people that Impact aims to work with will be faced with many important challenges and decisions in their near future, such as study, trying to find work or vocational training, unemployment and claiming benefit, the changing situation in their family, living alone, relationships, money and personal financing, the law, parenthood, socialising and developing friendships.
These decisions invariably affect the future quality of life and wellbeing of young people as they develop into adulthood. Many YCW leaders, on reflecting on the transition period between school and work have shared that it would have been very helpful if there were some form of group or organisation that would have helped them reflect on and talk through the details of these important challenges and decisions at the time they had to make them. Impact was born in order to respond to this need.
