Southside’s Young Advocates programme works in partnership with local sixth form schools to ensure young people’s voices are heard and reflected within Southside services. The project currently brings together students from Beechen Cliff, Hayesfield, and Kingswood Schools, creating a unique space for young people from both state and independent education settings to connect, share experiences, and collaborate.
As part of the programme, the group has been meeting regularly, with young people actively sharing their ideas and feedback on how they would like to be involved. A key theme to emerge was a strong preference for practical training that would support future volunteering roles while also building valuable life skills.
In response, Southside delivered a full-day training programme in Writhlington to meet these needs. The morning session focused on building confidence, emotional resilience, and wellbeing, alongside developing transferable skills such as confidentiality, communication (including active listening) and safeguarding.
The afternoon session focused on domestic abuse awareness and was particularly impactful. A survivor who had been supported by Southside shared her personal story and spoke about the support she received. One student reflected on the session, saying:
“I have never been so locked in by a speaker before”
After the training, Writhlington Village Hall transformed into the space for Southside’s Community Hub Group, which takes place after school every Wednesday. The students heard from the group lead and a member of the group about how it operates in partnership with the parents through their Steering Group. The young people stayed after the training to see the Community Hub Group in action and help, giving them a real-life insight into Southside’s work within the community.
Following the full training programme, young people will have the opportunity to volunteer with Southside. Our team will support the young people to explore opportunities that align with their interests, both within the organisation and across the wider community, helping them take their next steps with confidence.
