PPM supports Cumbria Youth Alliance - Call to Social Action Project

Thursday, 30 March 2023

Written by PPM Ltd

Over the last 6 months, Cumbria Youth Alliance (CYA) has been working across Cumbria in 7 different schools to deliver the Call to Social Action program. The Call to Social Action program aims to increase students’ employability and skills base by working with a range of mentors from different industries as well as CYA delivery staff to produce a social action project they will then implement.  PPM were delighted to be part of this brilliant programme as mentors at Appleby Grammar School.

CYA have worked with over 360 students across Cumbria on combating community/social issues that are close to them. As a result, there have been a range of projects and ideas that really showcase the remarkable creativeness and resilience young people have. 

There was a fantastic celebration event at Carlisle Racecourse where each winning group, from the 7 schools, went head-to-to-head in front of the judging panel and audience of 300 people to decide on a county champion.  All the groups did an incredible job presenting their amazing projects ranging from community gardens, plastic waste reduction initiative to food waste warriors.  Appleby Grammar School were the winning team, with students creating the ‘Appleby Giving Charity’.  

The ‘Appleby Giving Charity’ delivered seasonal boxes of joy to the residents of their local care home. The group put together a list of things the residents could choose from so they could make each box individual. The boxes included things like puzzles, fidget toys and toiletries. The gifts were purchased with the £500 the group received from winning their schools Social Action Project as well as from donations. On Tuesday 28th February the group delivered the boxes to the residents, which was hugely appreciated.

Beth Nicholls, our Communications & Development Manager, who has been mentoring with Appleby Grammar School students said "It’s been a real pleasure working with the school and the students on this project. I’ve been absolutely blown away by all the wonderful ideas that the groups have put together and seeing how they can make a difference in the lives of those within their communities.  It’s been fantastic that many of these projects have been truly beneficial for the local community and rewarding to see the important skills that the students have gained and developed throughout the process that will serve them well for their future careers.”

Cumbria Youth Alliance 

Cumbria Youth Alliance is a leading charity for the development and quality assurance of youth provision in Cumbria with a vision that all young people can thrive to achieve a sustainable and positive future!

To visit their website for more information, please follow this link: www.cya.org.uk