Build confidence. Develop new skills. Work together. That's exactly what participants do on our Youth Co-operative Action project!

If you’re based in or near Plymouth, aged 12-20 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.

Who's involved?

Our Plymouth Youth Co-operative Action programme is delivered in partnership with Real Ideas, an organisation that's passionate about finding solutions to social problems and equipping people with the skills needed to become true changemakers.

What you'll be doing

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

The best bit is that you will engage with other proactive and likeminded people, working together to start projects and enterprises that put you in control of your individual and collective futures! 

During the programme you will:

• 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 social media, demonstrating your achievement and the skills you’ve developed over the weeks. Check out the badge!

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 some of the previous YCA Plymouth projects:

Youth loneliness

Community garden

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