Become an outstanding leader. Start a business. Develop new skills. Take your CV to a whole new level with our Youth Co-operative Action programme!

If you live or are educated in Lewisham, aged 16-20 and believe that young people deserve to not only be listened to, but should also be equipped to LEAD the changes we need in communities then Youth Co-operative Action could be for you.

Want to know more? We've got you covered in less than 90 seconds! Hit play on the video.

Who's involved?

Our London based Youth Co-operative Action programme is delivered in partnership with 7PK, a social enterprise run by local entrepreneur Louis Howell (himself born and raised in Lewisham). YCA equips young people with the skills needed to become true changemakers, and we've already seen two groups of young people set up enterprises that have become the talk of the town. Could you be next?

What you'll be doing

This isn’t just a programme where you ‘learn some new stuff’ - this is about empowerment. Your experience, views and perspectives make you the experts and this journey is about creating a platform for you to make a real impact. During the programme you'll:

• Realise your leadership potential – whether you think you are a ‘leader’ or not already – and go on a journey with a supportive group to help others do the same.
• Develop entrepreneurial skills and start projects and enterprises that will benefit your community, with the opportunity to use digital skills and channels like podcasting, filming and more!
• Explore co-operative values, including why they matter and how you can apply them to your life, career and community.
• Create, campaign, collaborate and connect with a range of people and professionals who can help you to tackle the issues that matter to you.
• Once you have completed the programme you will receive a Badge Nation Digital Badge from us to add to your CV and share across social media, demonstrating your achievement and the skills you’ve developed over the weeks. Check out the badge!

Key dates and times

The programme starts on Tuesday 1 November, with sessions taking place weekly from 3.35pm to 5.30pm at Christ the King Sixth Form College. The programme will run until the end of February.

If you've got any questions about YCA London send an email to [email protected] or [email protected] 

Register your interest

If you've already seen enough and are ready to become an empowered leader by taking part in the YCA programme, then register your interest by completing the form below.

Youth Co-operative Action Form

YCA in action

One of the best parts of Youth Co-operative Action is that each group of learners gets to discuss what issues are impacting them and their communities - and then they get to do something about it! So far, the issues tackled by YCA cohorts include youth loneliness, the environment, poverty, homelessness and crime. Have a look at a previous YCA London project:

Leading change

This project has been made possible thanks to the support of the #iwill Fund and Co-op Foundation