International Youth Day – How we make a difference
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Published 12 Aug 2024 in Raising Awareness
Today is the United Nations International Youth Day, a day celebrated to raise awareness of issues facing young people around the world. For us, it is a time to reflect on the work done across our Society to help provide support and development opportunities for young people through our various charity partners and initiatives.
So, to mark the occasion, we have highlighted just a few of the ways we’re working to invest in the futures of our young people, from supporting young carers to take time out with holiday breaks to breaking down barriers to learning and employment.
Go Beyond
You may already be aware that we have been partnered with Go Beyond since 2021. The charity gives children who are carers for their mums or dads a much-needed break to have fun amongst like-minded young people, whether that’s a week away camping or giving them a Christmas they’ll never forget.
Since our partnership with the Devon-based charity began, we have helped 115 young people aged 8-13 years old to enjoy a trip away through donations given for every Co-op Holiday sold, which totals over £116,000 to date.
Jon Egging Trust
But it’s not just giving young people a break that we are doing with our charity partners, we are also supporting their learning and development outside the classroom.
Through our partnership with the Jon Egging Trust, our remarkable colleagues have helped deliver workshops for vulnerable young people struggling to engage at school to develop both their confidence and problem-solving skills with an aim to help develop future career aspirations.
Your Co-op has delivered two Jon Egging Trust (JET) sessions at Codsall High and Cannock Chase High
Young Co-operator Network
Our commitment to helping young people wherever possible has extended long after they are of school-going age, with the Young Co-operator Network providing opportunities for members aged 16-30 years old to expand their knowledge, develop life-long skills and, ultimately, influence our Society. We now have five young co-operators on our Member Engagement Committee and one on our Sustainability Steering Group, all of whom are making an immediate impact on our work.
There is even now a series of Young Co-operator Network podcasts which cover topics including mental health, energy saving, Co-op History and the Rochdale Pioneers, so do give it a listen!
The Fairer Futures Programme
Alongside all this fantastic work we also have our significant partnership with social enterprise Miss Macaroon to help deliver The Fairer Futures Programme in Walsall.
The community enterprise programme is open to young people aged 18-30 facing challenges in finding long term employment ranging from overcoming social anxiety, the impact of disability or ill health, have been in touch with the criminal justice system, or have struggles with childcare.
In its first year alone, the programme supported 18 young people into work both in our food stores but also at businesses including Ikea and South Saffs Water.
Our Society fully finances and co-manages the programme which has been nominated in the ‘Community Engagement Programme of the Year’ category at September’s People in Retail Awards!