100 young people from across London and the South East have graduated from Groundwork London’s Youth Leadership Programme, bringing the total number of participants supported through Berkeley Foundation’s four-year partnership with Groundwork London to more than 350.
The graduation marks the fourth year of Berkeley Foundation’s partnership with Groundwork London. Through its £400,000 investment, the Foundation has supported more than 350 young people to develop leadership skills, build confidence and gain valuable insight into the world of work at a time when the UK faces growing concern about youth unemployment and young people becoming detached from education and employment opportunities.
Young people from this year’s programme celebrated their achievements at a graduation event on 30 June, where participants shared their experiences, showcased social action projects and received certificates.
Led by expert youth workers from Groundwork London, the 14-week programme taps into young people’s passion for the environment and turns it into practical action. Participants take part in weekly sessions on leadership, teamwork, communication, problem solving and sustainability before designing and delivering projects that improve their local communities and green spaces.
A challenging outdoor residential weekend is built into the course, giving participants time away from their everyday environment to develop confidence, teamwork and resilience. Berkeley Group colleagues also support the programme through site visits, employability sessions and insight into careers in the built environment, helping bridge the gap between education and the world of work.
This year’s cohorts took place at Greig City Academy in Haringey, Newham College, Fulham Cross Sixth Form in Hammersmith and Fulham, St Paul’s Academy in Greenwich, and Sheppey College on the Isle of Sheppey, extending the programme’s reach across London and the South East.
Sally Dickinson, Head of Berkeley Foundation, said: “Groundwork London’s Youth Leadership Programme gives young people a powerful introduction to environmental leadership, using social action projects to help them make a difference and build skills for the future. Its practical approach supports young people to take ownership of issues that affect their local community, while the involvement of Berkeley Group colleagues gives participants an insight into the world of work. We’re proud to have supported the programme for four years and to see the impact it’s had on the young people taking part.”
Shabaz Ferozdin, Assistant Director, Youth Services at Groundwork London, said: “The Youth Leadership model represents a programme of excellence. It combines youth work, environmental action and practical skills development in a way that really resonates with young people. We’re delighted to have delivered the programme to schools and colleges, supporting more young leaders to build confidence, take action in their communities and develop skills that will help them in the future.”
Over the past four years, Berkeley Foundation’s partnership with Groundwork London has supported more than 350 young people aged 16–19. All participants said the programme would add value to their CV and future job applications, while 92% reported a greater appreciation of environmental issues or improved access to green spaces. In addition, 84% said they now have a better understanding of the green economy and the careers available within it.
One participant, Jaiden from Greig City Academy, said: “Taking part in the Youth Leadership Programme showed me that sometimes you need to leave your comfort zone. It’s helped me develop my listening and speaking skills, as well as my confidence. The social action project about increasing green spaces at my sixth form made me think creatively and outside the box to find solutions. I’ve learned that what I don’t like to do, teaches me the most.”
