We are celebrating the work of young volunteers this #iwill week! Student volunteers from Garratt Park School are a fantastic example of young people improving things for others in their communities through youth social action projects. Part of our Team London Young Ambassadors project, the students all agreed on producing ‘care bags’ full of essential hygiene products to give to people in their local community. They wanted to make a difference to the lives of people who are homeless, as well as girls and women at risk in the area.

The young volunteers sourced funding that would pay for the essential items, by producing a pitch video to demonstrate their plans. The Mayor of London’s office approved a grant of £1000 to help fund the project. Ignited by this exciting outcome, the students researched the best wholesale prices possible for the items they needed. Their savvy approach meant they could buy enough goods to make up 130 bags, each containing some essential products: comb, socks, toothbrush and toothpaste, mini first aid kit, face cream, lip balm, antiseptic wipes, and hand sanitiser.

Once the colourful bags were packed and ready, the students contacted local charities who they thought might benefit from the donations. They were gratefully received by The Spires Centre, a south London-based charity that helps hundreds of homeless people all year round.

The students’ teacher, Kaz, explained, “The Spires Centre team were overwhelmed by our kind gesture with Charles, their site manager, reiterating just how grateful their recipients would be. In response to the care bag project, the Department of Education team has kindly donated 20 sleeping bags towards The Spire’s ‘Keep The Homeless Warm initiative,’ which they will deliver this Winter. “

Thanks to hard work and determination, Team London Young Ambassadors at Garratt Park School bring the positive ripple effect of youth social action to their South London community.

#iwill week is an annual celebration of the work young people are leading up and down the UK. This year it is taking place from 21^st November – 25^th November. We want to encourage meaningful conversation amongst all of those who work in the youth sector around how we support youth social action into 2023.

For more information visit the #iwill movement website.