15 young people took part in 5 sessions based around social action activities; what social action means, who it involves, how important the young peoples’ voice is, different forms of communication and deciding on what social action project they would like to deliver out of the 4 projects suggested. They also took part in ice breakers, fun activities, and enjoyed healthy snacks.
The young people decided that they would like to spread some joy over the Christmas period and that they would like to make those people accessing food banks over the period smile, and to know others are thinking of them.
The young people went away and designed their own Christmas card to enter into a competition and selected an independent judge would pick the winner. The winning card would then be printed by a local printing firm. As well as the card, they also wanted to make hot chocolate hampers to give to out at the local foodbank – overall, 50 gifts bags where made. The young people priced and bought all needed for the project and spend their budget very wisely.
The Christmas card competition was very successful; 10 young people entered and one card was chosen to be printed. All young people took part in making the hot chocolate hampers in a production line, which took over two sessions. Once the card was back from the printers the young people decided on which food bank they would like to send their gifts too.
The young people decided to drop their gifts off at the Local Leisure centre which was a donation point for the whole of Gateshead, as the young people decided it was better that all of Gateshead have the chance to get their gifts if possible.
“My sister sometimes accesses a food bank and she would love this little gift”.