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Developing
character through
social action
Social action transforms character and improves
wellbeing, supporting young people’s success in
further and higher education, and employment.
aking practical action in the
service of others to create
positive change is proven
to develop young people’s
employability skills, boost access to further
and higher education and enhance
wellbeing. It creates a double benefit – for
young people and local communities.
Currently, 4 in 10 young people aged
10-20 take part in activities that make a
T
positive difference, but research indicates
that almost double this number would do
if they had the chance.
The #iwill campaign aims to make
social action part of life for as many 10-20
year-olds as possible by 2020. Through
collaboration, it spreads the word about
the benefits of participating in youth social
action. Here, we meet three young
ambassadors for the #iwill campaign.
NAOMI LEA, 18 HENLLAN, DENBIGHSHIRE, WALES
CHARACTER VIRTUES
DEVELOPED:
• Resilience, perseverance
& determination
• Confidence
• Empathy
• Leadership
• Hope/optimism
What does social action
mean to you?
When I was six, I followed my
mum’s lead in fundraising for my
primary school’s PTA – I wanted
to give back to the school. It’s
become something that I just do
without thinking.
80 // WELLBEING
I’ve gained listening,
communication, public speaking,
teamwork and leadership skills,
speaking at national conferences
and on TV. I’ve learned how the
charity sector works, what it takes
to be a leader and have a more
accurate world view.
How has this helped your
mental health?
I used to struggle with low
confidence and self-esteem,
anxiety and panic attacks and
found communicating very
difficult. Aged 14, I was struggling
to stay in lessons due to panic
attacks. Social action kept me
going. It gave me a chance to try
new things with only minimal
expectations.
With the help of the Fixers
Charity, I started my own mental
health project to help others. As
well as volunteering for
organisations such as the NSPCC,
I’ve delivered workshops in
schools and done media
inter views to share my
experiences. My mental health
project video gained 30,000 views
on Facebook over a few days.
I’ve made amazing friends
who have become a support
network. Before I got involved,
I struggled to answer a question
in class. It truly turned my
life around.