As part of #willWeek2022, we are highlighting two youth social action volunteers from The London Youth Ambassadors Team at the Tulip Care school. Supported by their class teacher and Kimberley from Volunteering Matters, Alex and Maria (not their real names) distributed 50 hygiene care packages to YMCA and a food bank in Dartford.
Curious to learn more about the situation experienced by the young people living in the center, Alex and Maria met with the staff in one of the YMCA’s makeshift flats. The staff explained that the emergency flat was a place for young people to live due to an urgent household situation. The team at the YMCA were very impressed with the girls’ caring attitude, answering all the questions they had. 
Despite finding some aspects of the day quite challenging, the girls were pleased to hear that their care package would be used as a ‘Welcome Pack’ for the young people arriving at the YMCA. Both understand how much it means to receive a ‘welcome package’ for abandoned young people. Talking about her own experience, Maria says, “just having a toothbrush, toothpaste and sanitary items is a luxury.” Mary and Alex really want to volunteer again and looking forward to my next social action project.
What is #iwill week?
#iwill week is an annual celebration of the hard work of young people in the UK. This year it runs from November 21 – 25. We want to encourage meaningful conversations among all of us working in the youth sector about how we can continue to support youth social action through 2023.
For more information, visit #iwill movement website.
The YMCA Youth Social Action post appeared first in Volunteering Matters.
