Youth Social Action Resource Hub

This Mental Health Toolkit was funded by The Mayor of London to support young people’s mental health. The toolkit was co-designed by Volunteering Matters and Young People who champion positive mental health.

We Are Patrick is delivered by young men. Young men have designed a toolkit, which male volunteers use in 90-minute sessions in schools across Suffolk. The toolkit presents a series of difficult scenarios based on the life of fictional character, Patrick. It uses film, spoken verse, imagery and flashcards created by volunteers to journey young people though decision-making scenarios based on fictional characters. The project aims to educate peers on the issues of sexual exploitation, domestic abuse, honor-based violence and gang grooming, while lobbying for changes to social policy and practice on these issues and promoting young people’s voices.

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.

Did you know that it takes 10–20 years for a plastic bag to break down and 450 years for a plastic bottle to do so?
  Project Pristine is a youth-led litter picking scheme in which volunteers travel to beaches and collect litter in rubbish bags. There are three core aims: to protect marine life, clean beaches, and explore the ocean, as well as raise awareness about the issue. Other key partners were involved who helped with publicity and schemes like ‘Adopt a Spot’ where Project Pristine adopted and committed to regularly cleaning a beach with one of the worst litter problems.  

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.

The Ukrainian-Russian war has led people all over the world to take action to support Ukrainian refugees who are in need. These young people have all done their bit too and shown how everyone can help make a difference. Eight year old Will donated a teddy to comfort another Ukrainian child, brothers Joseph and Theo from Dundee busked in the city Centre, while Ava-Rose, aged eight, cycled back and forth the Humber Bridge ten times in total!

Empathy is a skill that underpins other life skills - leadership, creativity, communication, resilience and tolerance. Kicking off in February each year with Empathy Week, this 5-week programme (fully supported with educational resources) uses the power of film and video to develop the skill of empathy. Participants produce a film of their own that allows students to put empathy into action about something they care about. If they wish, they can submit their film to the annual Empathy Week Global Awards. Empathy Week has engaged 140,000 students across 40+ countries and is free for all government and state schools worldwide.

Race-based hair discrimination has been illegal in the UK since the 2010 Equalities Act, yet it still happens in schools. Black students may internalize Eurocentric beauty standards and be told that their hair textures and hairstyles are inappropriate or unattractive. The Equality & Human Rights Commission is monitoring the situation. However schools and young people can take action, such as signing up to the UK’s first Black hair code, The Halo Collective’s Halo Code. By adopting this, schools are taking a stand to ensure that no member of their community faces barriers or judgements because of their Afro-textured hair.