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Young people celebrate a year of social action

Jon Wrightin Ipswich
News imageJon Wright/BBC A woman stands smiling at the camera. Her top has an I WILL logo. there are people behind in soft focus and lightsJon Wright/BBC
Abi Abidonye helped organise 'hackathons' in Ipswich to tackle issues such as mental health in young people

Young people campaigning to make changes to their local community have shared a film documenting their work.

Ipswich became the UK's first "Town of Youth Social Action" in 2023.

As part of #iWill Week, Volunteering Matters brought together supporters to celebrate their achievements so far, including getting 54 organisations to sign the Power of Youth Charter.

Abi Abidonye, 20, an #iWill ambassador, said: "We've been able to bring so much opportunity here. Ipswich is a place where young people can see themselves thriving, growing - not just a place you live for 18 years then flee to a bigger city."

News imageJon Wright/BBC A crowd of people sat on benches and tables inside a church watch a large screen at the frontJon Wright/BBC
Representatives from local charities, councils and businesses attended the event at The Church in the centre of Ipswich

Around 65 people attended an event at The Church in Ipswich town centre on Wednesday, hosted by #iWill Ambassadors.

Along with their film, the audience heard from the town's MP, Jack Abbott, and saw the latest signature to the Power of Youth Charter from global shipping company MSC.

David Woolnough, MSC finance director, said: "It all kicked off with an invite to join a hack earlier this year.

"It was just overwhelming, seeing the voice of youth in our community really driving what they want to see and we've taken that into our business."

News imageJon Wright/BBC A man in a jacket and tie, and a young person in an Iwill t-shirt smile at the camera.Jon Wright/BBC
#iWill Ambassador Alex Harrison (right) with David Woolnough from MSC, ahead of signing the charter

The Power of Youth Charter

Signing the charter is "a public commitment to take meaningful action to empower young people". The charter aims to:

  • Empower young people to be active citizens who can make a positive difference on issues that affect them
  • Encourage young people to take the lead in creating and leading change, working as equal partners with adults
  • Foster a collaborative approach among organisations, policymakers, and young people to create solutions
  • Make social action, which involves making a positive difference in their communities, the norm for young people under 25.
News imageJon Wright/BBC Two men in suits smile at the camera. They are in front of a banner which reads "Ipswich town of social action".Jon Wright/BBC
The Labour MP for Ipswich Jack Abbott, who has signed the charter, and Stephen Skeet, Director of Business Development and Partnerships for Volunteering Matters

The #iWill Ambassadors have also been hosting hackathons; events which bring lots of different people together to focus on tackling a specific problem.

Ms Abidoyne said: "We've had hacks about mental health, youth violence and the causes of that violence.

"A lot of the time we find professionals, or people who haven't grown up at the same time as us, don't necessarily understand the issues that young people are facing now.

"So it's about being able to share that lived experience and help professionals understand, so they can better support us."

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