The Peer Action Collective (PAC) is a £5.2 million programme funded by the Youth Endowment Fund, the #iwill Fund and the Co-op Group, which aims to give young people the chance to make their communities safer, fairer places to live. High Trees and partners Juvenis, Spiral Skills, IRMO, MLCE and St Matthew’s Project are running the Lambeth Peer Collective alongside 11 passionate and dedicated Peer Researchers.
Meet two of them, Sabrina and Shueib below and hear their stories!
What were you hoping to improve by joining PAC in your community or the UK as a whole?
I joined the LPAC because I just wanted to try and help other young people in the area. An opportunity to help others like this isn’t something that comes across often, so I wanted to take it.
Why does this topic matter to you?
Being a young person myself, I know how much youth violence can impact not only young people but the people that are around them and care about them. I grew up around it and now I have the chance to try and do something to help stop it. We’re trying to change it for young people and make it a safer community for them.
What new opportunities, experiences or skills do you feel you are gaining from being part of PAC?
Being part of LPAC has definitely made my communication skills better not only with the young people themselves but with other staff members too. This project is very much about being listening, and I’ve learnt so much about how to truly listen to someone and take in what they are saying. I’d say it’s also improved my confidence as talking to young people can at times be tricky, but I’m doing it, so my confidence has increased. And teamwork, because it’s a key skill and we’re working together to get the job done
What were you hoping to improve by joining PAC in your community or the UK as a whole?
I’m hoping to make changes to my local area and bring some differences to the community. No one should have to go through the violence I have seen and experienced. I feel like when I’m speaking to young people I can relate to them and understand what they’ve been through.
What new opportunities, experiences or skills do you feel you are gaining from being part of PAC?
I wanted to boost my confidence, learn more and learn about different people and cultures, and make new friends. I love being a part of PAC and I consider myself very lucky to be able to make a difference in my community and bring about new changes for our next generation.
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