The Heritage Youth Partnership offers an opportunity for uniformed youth groups to dive deeper into the heritage and history of your local area. Engaging with heritage improves wellbeing and sense of belonging for young people, and this partnership allows you to access free, fun resources to engage your group, and even the opportunity to apply for a microgrant, funding a youth-led heritage project that you believe will enrich their relationship with where they live.
If you are the leader of a Girls’ Brigade group, you may have already seen the new programme materials, ‘Our Local Story’, made in collaboration with Historic England. These materials are perfect for this time of year, as they encourage your group to take part in outdoor activities like taking a guided ‘heritage walk’ and going on a heritage ‘photo trek’.
Flora Ward, Project Manager at Youth United Foundation, states -
‘We’re thrilled to see Girls’ Brigade’s Our Local Story badge launch nationally, born out of connections and inspiration from the Heritage Youth Partnership. This badge is a shining example of partnership work and collaboration coming to fruition in a really exciting way – with so many brilliant ideas to encourage members to explore their heritage and what it means to them. We can’t wait to hear about all the amazing heritage discoveries and work that comes from this – if your group want to take the experience a step further, led by young people’s ideas, consider applying for a microgrant.’
Historic England states -
‘Historic England is proud to have supported the Our Local Story badge. It encourages girls to explore their surroundings, connect with local heritage, and take pride in where they live. By discovering the stories of their area, girls can share what matters to them, engage with their communities, and feel inspired to care for their local places now and in the future.’
Youth United Foundation offers a limited number of microgrants for up to £600, for youth-led heritage projects. It's up to your group what the focus of your heritage project is - what matters is that it is designed by young people and will make positive change in your community. Your project could range from a creative celebration of community heroes, to researching and recording the untold stories of your local places, to learning and sharing lesser-known crafts or skills. For more information and examples of youth-led projects, visit the Heritage Youth Partnership website.
