Youth Social Action

Youth social action refers to activities that young people do to make a positive difference to others or the environment.

There are lots of ways in which young people can take practical action to make a positive difference. It can take place in a range of contexts and can mean formal or informal activities. These include volunteering, fundraising, campaigning or supporting peers.

Young people don’t have to try and save the world on their own. Taking small positive actions to improve your home, school or local community can all make a big difference.

When young people take part in high quality social action, everyone benefits:

• Organisations benefit from young people’s energy, ideas and capacity to create positive change. They gain a different perspective that can shift their way of thinking and open up new ways of working.
• Communities benefit when young people feel valued, engaged and involved. It can create a greater sense of community and boost social cohesion and integration.
• Young people develop their character and confidence. They experience higher levels of wellbeing that can help improve their mental resilience. They also develop vital skills and networks that can support future employment.

When young people take part in high quality social action, everyone benefits:

• Organisations benefit from young people’s energy, ideas and capacity to create positive change. They gain a different perspective that can shift their way of thinking and open up new ways of working.
• Communities benefit when young people feel valued, engaged and involved. It can create a greater sense of community and boost social cohesion and integration.
• Young people develop their character and confidence. They experience higher levels of wellbeing that can help improve their mental resilience. They also develop vital skills and networks that can support future employment.