Following a visit up to Preston last month to catch up on all that is happening, there is a lot of work to recognise that our young YCW leaders have been leading on.
There are a variety of Groups that meet across the city and represent the movement at various schools and across all ages. The groups are all ably supported by adult companion Terry Mattinson. The youngest group do various activities and games which involve teamwork, communication and social skills - all while having fun!
This helps to prepare them for when they join the IMPACT group, which uses its time to encourage the young people to voice their opinions on numerous issues through the YCW method.
One current project being run by the IMPACT group leaders is on well being and mental health. It is supporting the YCW’s National Campaign on mental health and young people, called MIND! The Gap.
However, they are also involved in a variety of social action on a local, national and even global level. For example: homelessness, cleanliness of public spaces, food banks, refugees and climate change. On several issues the Group are looking at doing a film project to highlight their concerns and give them a voice.
Marc Besford, National Training and Development Worker, who was shown round the Groups by Terry, congratulated the young leaders, saying: “The range of issues being looked at, judged and then acted upon are a testament to the power of young people being empowered as leaders. I’d like to thank them all for their inspiring work and Terry for his efforts in supporting the growth of groups up here.”
