The aim of my event was to bring organisations, and young people together, to discuss ‘Youth Employment related issues’ in Worcestershire. The event was varied and contained lots of different elements. I did this, so that the young people had lots of different options. There was something for everyone
The event started with a presentation, by myself, about YEUK. This was followed by a presentation from HSBC UK about their graduate programmes. This was targeted at the graduates, in the room. A panel element followed, so that young people could ask a variety of panellists questions.
The panel included:
- Youth Friendly MP Robin Walker MP
- Alex Quang – O2 Think Big
- Craig Bateman – Worcestershire Youth Council
- Matt – Worcestershire Hub
- Tom – YMCA
- Andreea – Linguistic consultant
- Alex – HSBC UK
I tried to make the panel as varied as possible, so the young people could ask a variety of questions on issues such as: volunteering, project funding, politics, minimum wage etc. The young people were a little reluctant to ask questions, but I had a few prepared! A team building exercise followed. The aim of this activity was to promote teamwork and to develop presentation skills. The young people had five minutes to make an animal out of materials and to come up with a one minute pitch. They then pitched to the panel, to decide on prize winners. The evening ended with free-networking, free food and drink and music.
With the help of YEUK’s Youth Partnership, I was able to apply for an O2ThinkBig level 1
- I got the venue for free (as it is my university).
- I spent £80 on prizes and materials for the team building exercise.
- I also spent £65 on food and
- £65 on advertising materials
the funding process was easy and well structured i was able to plan my event, and once each element was ticked off my list I could update my project online on the O2ThinkBig site!
I am not very good at creating advertising materials, so this is why outsourced, but I would like to develop this skill for future events. I would also advise on ordering less food than people that sign up for the event.
I really enjoyed the experience of bring together and planning the event which went really well. I was nervous about attendance, but it was good! I got positive feedback, from the panelists, and some pointers that I could work on. Some of these included: explaining the relevance of each event element better and possibly making the networking more structured.
In the future, I would like to be able to apply for additional funding to bring together, CV workshops.
What advice would you give a young person with a brilliant idea that just wouldn’t happen without embracing the world of Digital?
My advice would be to just go for it! Try to partner with student societies and ask if you can have things for free in return for doing something. Make your event varied and free food and fun prizes will always get young people there!! Today, not a lot can happen without a digital aspect, through the online surveys, social media to interact with young people and organisations local and national, my event would never have happened! Thank you O2ThinkBig!
If you would like to find out how through YEUK you could get funding for your project and earn a digital badge along the way! Get in touch and we can help introduce you to the team and share our partner code!
Where would you like to go now?
- Go Back to the top of the page?
- Read about Taking action with your passion!
- Read about Volunteering with YEUK
- Read up on #Employability in Seven Steps
- Sign up as a young member for FREE
- Go Back Home
