Trust programme participants Keep Doing Good in the community

NCS Keep Doing Good has given young people from Fleetwood and surrounding areas the skills and the opportunities to make a difference within their community.

The two week programme, which is delivered by Fleetwood Town Community Trust, saw teens aged 16 and 17 years old take part in sessions that developed their understanding of the community whilst also gaining an understanding towards the social issues locally, which were highlighted through primary research.

All of the young people involved have developed transferable skills such as presenting information, being well organized and understanding responsibilities, which can then be taken into college, university, apprenticeships and employment.

A large part of Keep Doing Good is based on the social issues in Fleetwood following COVID 19. The group planned, presented and delivered their own social action projects, aiming to either raise awareness or funds to support charities that they were passionate about.

One team wanted to raise awareness of youth mental health by creating a social media campaign, “BreakFreeFromThoughts”, which can be found on Instagram. Another team, following discussions with local charity, Men’s Shed, decided that they would like to support local residents with easy to follow recipes on a budget. The whole group attended Affinity Lancashire to promote each of their campaigns, speaking to residents about their collective projects, whilst also helping raise money towards Blue Skies charity.

Finally, Regenda Group allowed participants to redevelop a plot of land close by to Highbury Stadium. The initiative was also supported by Wyre Council, Princes Trust and Cllr. Paul Galley, each of whom have supplied resources towards the project. This overgrown piece of land can now be enjoyed and used by local residents as a relaxing wellbeing facility with young people planning the future developments currently.

NCS Keep Doing Good participant Kiah said:

“We wanted to raise awareness about young people’s mental health and make them aware that there are places available where people can help and listen to you. Through NCS, meeting new people has given me a new confidence in my next steps in college.”

NCS Manager, John Hartley explained:

“The experience for these young people coming out of lockdown has been invaluable. Several of those we worked with hadn’t left their bedrooms for months during lockdown and the programme has now supported their social mix with the community prior to them returning to college.

“We have tried to instill a ‘can do’ attitude across the initiative, and all young people have been a credit to their community, providing new opportunities and support for residents through their own social action projects. I look forward to seeing what this talented group of young people can achieve.”

Click here to find out more about the NCS programme.