Youth projects turn ideas into impact
- Jan 16
- 3 min read
Updated: Jan 20
Saving a business, lobbying council, transforming an underpass and creativity for mental health – a diversity of Youth Social Action projects were showcased at Eden Court, Inverness.
Youth Social Action groups from Tain, Alness, Inverness and Forres once again showcased their incredible projects at Eden Court, demonstrating their diversity of interest and the incredible impact young people can have on their communities when they feel empowered and valued.
This year, we took a new approach by splitting the audience into smaller groups. This allowed everyone to circulate around the project tables and connect more deeply with the young people’s stories and ideas. Each group showcased videos and presentations that captured their journey so far – a glimpse into projects that are already creating real impact, with more still to come.
Tain Youth Social Action Group 2: Youth Power transforms Tain Underpass
Over four days in July 2025, 37 young people in Tain joined a Youth Social Action project, transforming the town's once-drab underpass into a vibrant, welcoming space for the community. Led by Rob Parkes, Youth Development Officer for the Highland Council and Tain Youth Development, in partnership with our Youth Leader, Lorelei, this project is a brilliant example of what happens when young people lead the way.
'We got so many comments from community members who were walking by – all living the change!'
Lorelei has grown with Growing2gether – from Nursery Programme participant to Youth Participation Board member, and now a Youth Leader. She said, 'I have made so many new friends. I truly feel like a part of both my own community and the Growing2gether Community.'
Inverness YSA Group: Fundraising to Save the Clay Studio
The Inverness group came together to support the fundraising intiative to Save The Clay Studio in Merkinch.
Clay Studio is more than clay, kilns and creativity. It’s a lifeline in Merkinch, a place where young people find purpose, where families gather, where art heals, and where our community grows together. They are a vital part of a neighbourhood that too often goes unheard.
On 26 July, our YSA group held a summer fete day and raised £916.78!
A big thank you to everyone who came along, and all our volunteers.
Forres Youth Social Action Group: Why do we need a Community Centre?
Forres Community Centre is at risk of closing down so the Forres Group took action to create a survey and interview the community about the need for a Community Centre.
Closing this facility would represent a huge loss to our community. We urge the Moray Council to reconsider their plan in light of the immeasurable social and economic benefits the centre provides to Forres and surrounding communities. Sign the petition to keep the Community Centre!
Tain Youth Social Action Group: Art Group
The Tain Group set up an Art Group which aimed to create an artwork based on the group’s personal experiences, highlighting how art has supported their wellbeing and helped reduce anxiety.
It gave P6 children at Craighill Primary the opportunity to explore a variety of art materials, helping them discover which media they enjoy most. The children worked together to produce a shared collage, encouraging teamwork and creativity.
Postcards of the finished artwork will be sold in Tain, with proceeds used to buy art materials for potential Art Therapy in the new primary school.
Alness Youth Social Action Group: Looking after our Mental Health
The Alness Group created a series of youth-powered TikTok videos, each offering a solution to ease anxiety or look after mental health – from walking a pet to trying 'box breathing'. The inspiring series is called 'Looking after your mental health can look like ...'.
Thank you to all the young people and Growing2gether faciliators who put so much energy into these projects. And deep appreciation to our funders for making these projects possible. A special thanks to SSEN for joining us at the Showcase.
First published in July 2025
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