About Christina:

Christina, 16, has been volunteering in Action for Stannington since the age of 12.  A born leader, although still a bit clumsy and impulsive, she has been able to revolutionise the way young people perceive their surrounding environment.  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.  The photograph submitted to CHANGEit was taken, alongside others, to prove to anybody (especially funders!) that the work in Action for Stannington is real, truly grassrooted and task focussed.  Christina and her peers would rather be out and about doing something worthwhile, rather than sitting long hours attending boring meetings.

About Christina’s photo:

Taken at the end of a very busy afternoon, providing garden services for older people/disabled. The project involves neighbourhood based activities in areas such as gardening, recycling, park up keeping, highway care. By involving young people we can remove the intimidation factor, bridge the generation gap ensuring the old and the young share the same neighbourhood without the fear of crime. The project is aimed at young people from a socially disadvantaged background.

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