Conscious Youth
Conscious Youth is a community interest company based in Kirklees, formed to fill a gap left by cuts to local youth services. Led by directors Serena Johnson and Sophie Simpson, the organisation works in schools, colleges and other community spaces, empowering young people with skills, knowledge and resources to take a lead in their communities.
Between opening in 2016 and early 2022 Conscious Youth engaged with 12,500 young people, working closely with 2,900. To date, its biggest initiative is Conscious Girls, which aims to build emotional and mental resilience in girls and young women. The organisation is developing a second Conscious Girls group in the centre of Huddersfield. As well as its work in local communities, Conscious Youth provides consultancy for local and national organisations. “Encouraging young people to be creators rather than consumers is at the heart of what we do,” says Serena.
Paul Hamlyn Foundation (PHF) awarded Conscious Youth a three-year Youth Fund grant starting January 2021 to capacity build, widen its reach over Kirklees and train staff. The organisation has used the grant to employ two part-time staff, who take on much of the administration and service delivery work that previously fell to the directors. This in turn has freed up directors to work more strategically. The impact is apparent.
Sophie says: “The money has allowed Serena and I to take a Level 5 Diploma in Trauma and Mental Health Informed Schools (Practitioner Status). We both achieved distinctions. Following the accreditation, we will now begin to offer 1-2-1 therapy sessions, play therapy sessions, and other interventions to support young people in understanding the trauma they have experienced. We are able to train existing and new staff in trauma informed practices, too.”
In addition, Conscious Youth has developed its first venue, called the Corner Hub. An open access space for young people in Huddersfield opened in April 2022, its development was informed by consultations with young people. And Serena and Sophie are now able to sit on the Youth Development Board for Kirklees, influencing policy and strategy on a local level. “It’s the first time we’ve had multiple year funding,” Serena says. “We’ve been able to plan ahead. It’s taken a lot of pressure off the organisation.”
Ayanna, a participant in the programme, says: “I really enjoy the conversations we have at Conscious Girls. We have discussions about things parents and teachers might feel uncomfortable with. We learn about a range of things; healthy relationships, how to love ourselves and life skills we need to know. It’s like one big family, we learn together and experience new things together. I have become a better team player and enjoy working on social action projects that improve our community.”
