Ukraine Project
Overview
We work with young people from Ukraine who have come to County Durham. The group started with an Agenda Day and decided what they wanted to do to make a different and have led two successful social action projects.
Supporting Young People to Lead Change
The group came together to reflect on the experiences of young people arriving and settling in the UK. Through their involvement with Investing in Children, they have:
- Developed and delivered workshops for other young people
- Shared their experiences with professionals and local projects
- Created safe, supportive spaces where young people can talk about rights, belonging, and respect
Their work is focused on bringing young people together to share their voices and shape ideas about how communities and services can better support them.
Funding Source
The Key+ Social Action Fund (2024/2025)
Investing in Children
Impact
Young people from Ukraine have presented directly to Investing in Children’s managers and trustees about their experiences and priorities. They have helped create bilingual spaces and peer support, and are co-designing the Worldwide Hub – a strand in our new building, The Elms, focused on welcome, belonging, and rights for young people from all backgrounds.
Building Confidence, Voice and Influence
Through this work, young people are:
- Developing the confidence to speak up
- Designing their own solutions to real-world issues
- Influencing adults and decision-makers
- Supporting other young people to share their views
The group is now planning a World Wide Rights event, where they will share young people’s ideas directly with decision-makers working to make the North East a safer and more inclusive place.
This work reflects Investing in Children’s ongoing commitment to ensuring young people are not only heard, but empowered to lead meaningful change.
Engagement and Outcomes
With support from Investing in Children and funding from the Key+ Social Action Fund (2024/25), the group has already made a real difference.
- Led two successful social action projects
- Supporting a homelessness project through a community event led by young people
- Raising awareness and resources for a local dog charity
- Been shortlisted for the Key Awards 2025
- Brought different groups together to build a shared vision for change
This approach builds on a long history of supporting children and young people to take the lead. For example:
- In 2018, young people planned and delivered the first Youth Hate Crime Summit in the North East
- They also created a film to capture their work and share their message more widely
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