Newcastle launches as a City of Social Action during #iWill Week 

Newcastle is stepping forward as a City of Social Action, joining a national #iWill initiative that’s building stronger, more connected communities by putting youth leadership and social action at the centre of local life. 

As part of #iWill Week, The Key hosted a powerful celebration event, bringing together organisations and eight groups of young people from across the North East to showcase the social action projects they’ve created for their communities, from anti-vaping campaigns, to mental-health support kits for schools to projects tackling loneliness in place-based, meaningful ways. 

One changemaker shared that taking their project into schools made other young people “feel like they could do big things like this,” which perfectly reflects the purpose of this work: becoming champions and advocates for young people taking the lead in their communities. 

Our #iWill Ambassador Janelle closed the night with a challenge for both adults and young people. For the youth of Newcastle, she urged: “Find that one thing that makes you the most angry, and fight for that. Fight for it and turn it into something that makes you proud.” Then she followed with the adults: “Celebration without a commitment is just a party… give up something. It doesn’t have to be money, give up your power. Give up your seat at a table and give it to a youth.” 

As we launch Newcastle as a City of Social Action during #iWill Week, we’re asking organisations, adults and allies across the city to back young people in a real and tangible way. If you’re ready to help build a city where young people lead the change, reach out to The Key or the #iWill Movement. Let’s turn this moment into a collective commitment and a lasting movement. 

Rebecca Maw, CEO of The Key, said: “I can see and hear from everything that people have shared today, you stand for change, you stand for creativity and for making communities better.” 

Volunteering Matters CEO, Amanda Naylor OBE, added: “If I had to give one piece of advice to adults it would be to trust young people.” 

Get Involved 

The Power of Youth Charter is open to any organisation, not just those that work with young people. It’s a way to show that you stand with the next generation of changemakers. 

If you’re an organisation in Newcastle (or anywhere in the UK), you can sign the Charter and be part of this growing movement. Learn more at https://www.iwill.org.uk/organisations/the-power-of-youth.