The Time4Change group from York are all young people with varying special needs. Though many go to special schools, some had attended mainstream schools in the past and felt that there are a number of very small changes schools can make to ensure that there is better access and inclusion in the school atmosphere. They toured a number of schools and created a DVD and booklet to help schools think about simple, inexpensive changes they can make, from changing paint colour to putting in ramps.
Their project was so successful, they were even asked by the council to review a number of their buildings and the DVD has since been used by many schools throughout the UK. Their hard work, creativity and dedication to the cause is what made them one of the winners in the 2009 Performance category. To find out more about their project, check out the video below:
If you or someone you know has taken action on an issue or cause like the Time4Change group, send in a nomination to the CHANGEit awards. There’s only 1 week left before the deadline on 11 December 2009 so act fast! Nominate today!
Nearly everywhere you go, you’re likely to hear adults talking about young people causing trouble and young people saying adults don’t understand them. Most of the time, this is because adults and young people don’t always have a chance to spend time with each other and learn what the other’s life is like.
The Friends of Heriot Grange are six young people from Hartlepool who are closing that gap by spending time at a local elderly residence. They were winners in the 2009 Innovation category of the CHANGEit awards for their campaign to plan more activities that bring people of all ages together and inspire more young people at their school to volunteer to spend time with the residents of Heriot Grange.
Take a look at a day at Heriot Grange:
Campaigns about closing the age gap and any other action that is making a difference to people in a UK community, are exactly what CHANGEit wants to recognise. If you’re running a campaign, have an idea to create change or know a young person who fits the bill, nominate them for a CHANGEit award today!
Nominations for the 2010 CHANGEit awards are underway, so we thought what might be helpful, is to introduce you to some of the past winners so you can see what kinds of unique, fun and inspiring projects the CHANGEit awards are all about.
Over the next few weeks, we’ll highlight past finalists in each category with video and pictures. Their stories are just a few of the billions of examples of what young people are doing to make a difference in the UK. If you’re out there making a difference too…share your story and enter the CHANGEit awards.
Now, meet Christina:
Christina, 16, has been volunteering in Action for Stannington since the age of 12. Zumming up and down Stannington on her 50cc scooter, Christina is able to organise activities and tasks, keeping her peers out of boredom. Jobs such as gardening for older residents, looking after the local park, art and craft, recycling or simply chill out afternoons are often led by Christina. Her dedication hasn’t gone unnoticed, as Christina has had the opportunity to meet every Sheffield’s Lord Mayor for the last four years, the Chief Constable of South Yorkshire Police, Nick Clegg MP, South Yorkshire’s Lord Lieutenant, South Yorkshire’s High Sheriff and HRH The Duke of York (true!). Same as any other young volunteer in Action for Stannington, Christina comes from a socially disadvantaged background; yet she has been able to put her energies and enthusiasm to good use. Christina and her peers would rather be out and about doing something worthwhile, rather than sitting long hours attending boring meetings.
CHANGEit is thrilled to have been able to recognise the fantastic work Christina does, and hopes to recognise thousands more like Christina during 2010!
If you're interested in the CHANGEit award model or would like to discuss potential partnerships around leadership and campaigning, please contact Common Purpose at info@commonpurpose.org.
