Resilience Revolution – Activist in Residence project
The Boingboing approach to resilience is about “beating the odds, whilst also changing the odds”. This means that as well as creating opportunities to bounce forward through tough times, we take action together to change what it is that makes things tough in the first place. We have been exploring the potential of activism to promote good mental health through positive action (beating the odds), whilst also tackling injustice and issues that can impact so negatively on our mental health (changing the odds).
The Activist in Residence project is an opportunity for young people in Blackpool to work with a ‘host’ organisation that can support them to develop and deliver an activist campaign.
Age: 16 – 25
Time: Full or part time for 1 – 4 months
Pay: living wage (£9.50 per hour) with additional funding available for campaign resources etc.
Recruitment for round 2 of the Activist in Residence project is closed.
1. We have organisations ready with specific residencies in mind, so see if either of the ideas below fit with what you are passionate about. If they are, get in touch.
Environmental Activist in Residence at Victoria Hospital
The NHS has a huge carbon footprint, which is why the Blackpool Victoria Hospital is looking for someone who is passionate about the environment to shake things up. The hospital has a new green plan, but does it do enough? Can you think of creative ways to use the hospital to get your message out? Do you want your voice to be heard by those at the top making the decisions? Then get in touch!
Co-production Activist in Residence at the National Institute for Health and Care Research
Health inequalities in the UK mean that some communities have much worse health than others. This is unfair and avoidable, and is something the National Institute for Health Research wants to improve. One thing they are focusing on is how to better involve communities in research. Because of this, they are looking for an activist who can challenge their ways of working to make sure that co-production is embedded in what they do. If this sounds like something you would be interested in, give us a shout!
2. If you have your own idea for a campaign, then tell us about it by sending us your ‘Hope for Change’ . If it’s something we are able to support in this round then we will match you with the best organisation to host your residency. – RESIDENCY CALL IS OPEN! Check out the brief for an overview of what it’s all about and get in touch with us to talk it through if you wish.
We need to hear from you by midday on July 1st to be considered for a residency. Contact Henry with ideas or questions on [email protected] / 07999467704.
We believe in the power of the collective and know that this project has the best chance of achieving change when it is surrounded by allies and supporters. There are loads of ways to contribute from shouting about it to others, to connecting people up, to mentoring a Youth Activist or taking part in a skills swap. Whatever it is you think you can offer, get in touch.
Activist in Residence – let’s make it happen
An activist is someone who sees something wrong in society, and wants to help change things for the better.
Activists do all sorts of different things. They organise community groups, they lead marches, make films and talk to politicians.
The point is that anyone can be an activist. Maybe you’re worried about knife crime.
Maybe you’re concerned about homelessness.
Or perhaps you think we’re just not doing enough to protect the environment. Whatever it may be, if you want to do something about it, then become an activist, and help us to make a change.
