The ‘Be the Change’ Project is in response to the adverse impact of the pandemic on mental health and well-being of children and young people. This project will give young people real opportunities to re-engage with society and access opportunities that will promote self-esteem, build confidence, increase social skills and foster emotional wellbeing.
Young people in research surveys conducted in 2021 across 4 secondary schools evidenced a significant need to address the current low morale in young adults which has been caused by the Pandemic. In a ‘Private Reflection’ activity the young people were asked to articulate their views on the impact of COVID and Lockdown on their educational, social and emotional development. The results revealed that many young people still feel educationally disadvantaged, socially disconnected, frustrated and hanker after protest. Considering this current landscape, this project will give renewed impetus to the work of the charity by giving young people real opportunities to re-engage with society and to protest in a meaningful way via positive action and ‘Being the Change’ they wish to see in society.
The project was launched in 5 schools in October 2022 and has 80+ volunteer participants thus far which is a clear indication of the desire/need for this project.