What will be generation Z’s mark on the world? It’s a question that brims with possibility, and one that ultimately presents hope: this generation is, on the whole, both more politically active and more likely to oppose bigotry towards minorities than their forebears. Gen Z includes some 12 million Brits, but they remain largely absent from traditional journalism: the average age of a UK journalist is between 40 and 45 (pdf). Though new media platforms have enabled more young people than ever before to have a voice, there’s no escaping the fact that the old guard is yet to fully welcome this rapidly maturing age group into the fold.
One brand that is giving young voices a platform to be heard is the Co-op. The company is one of three funders of the Peer Action Collective [PAC], a network of young people across the UK who design and conduct research to learn about young people’s experiences of violence, creating opportunities for young people to make their communities safer.
Rebecca Birkbeck, director of community and membership at the Co-op says: “Through our relationship with PAC we are helping develop the next generation of Co-operators. A Co-operator is someone who actively has a voice and participates, who works together with others to make a difference in their communities and who strives to create a fairer future. That’s exactly what the young people of PAC are doing. They are listening to their peers in the largest peer-research project ever undertaken on youth violence. They are then taking action to make their communities safer and fairer.
“Co-op is already known for its campaigning work for safety of retail colleagues, in this project we also look at young people, their experience of violence and how listening to their voices through the PAC research will enable Co-op and its members and customer to work with them to help make their communities safer fairer places to be. It’s our vision of Co-operating for a fairer world in action.”
That commitment to empowering people to make a difference to their communities is reflected across Co-op as a whole. Colleagues of all ages are encouraged to support local communities to improve access to food, mental wellbeing and opportunities for young people.
In partnership with the Co-op, the Guardian Labs has mentored and commissioned two PAC peer researchers and a Co-op store colleague, providing a platform for them to share their ideas and experiences, and show readers how they are making an impact on their communities.
“For young people to be given a platform like this is invaluable,” says Steve Murrells, Co-op CEO. “It puts them front and centre – providing a great opportunity for fresh and unique perspectives on issues that can often go unnoticed. Mentoring is a great way for young people to take an opportunity and run with it to build up their skills and experience. And doing this in the field of journalism is fantastic, as it provides an opportunity for young voices to be heard through their work.”
The three mentees’ articles are available to read now on the Guardian Labs website. But before rushing off to find out what they’ve written about, take a second to get to know them, below …
Sky Larbalestier, 22, Southampton, is writing about improving safety for young LGBTQ+ people
LGBTQ+ issues have always been a part of my life as a young trans man and, before that, a gay woman. I faced homophobic bullying at a young age, and since I’ve told myself that if I can help others going through what I experienced, then I will.
Working on this writing project has helped me learn about how much goes into writing – especially the planning stages. The whole production process really interests me, as do the ins and outs of anything creative. After this amazing opportunity I would love to keep writing creatively, whether that’s comics, books or another creative outlet. I’ve always loved writing stories and basing them in some sort of reality – keeping them grounded but having that fantasy style twisted in.
Read Sky’s article here
Iysha Begum, 18, Young People’s Advisory Service, Liverpool, is writing about her work in peer research to reduce violence
I am a young survivor of domestic abuse, and I’m passionate about social action and change. I want to help make young people’s lives better, and that starts with listening to people’s personal experiences. That’s why I work with the Young People’s Advisory Service in Liverpool, alongside studying for my A-levels. Essentially, what I do is give domestic abuse survivors space to talk, and help them get the support they need.
I am a young college student like any other, living at home with my mother, two younger brothers and my cat, Toothless – the best family I could ask for. When I am not working or studying, I like to read, watch anime, play video games, and draw! Your typical nerdy hobbies. I have been given so many fantastic opportunities and had so many chances to change my hardships into blessings, and I want to make an impact that outlives me and change the world for the better.
Read Iysha’s article here
Alex Moraru, 22, Kent, is writing about how a new job at Co-op in Maidstone helped her build confidence
Moving to the UK and leaving everything behind in Romania was tough, especially when it comes to being socially present. I had to create a better life for myself after 19 years of living in my home country.
Writing this article is such an amazing opportunity for me to share my story and allow myself to reflect on my experiences, refocus, and redefine a better version of myself. I think this opportunity is a great starting point for me to expand my writing skills and learn to better structure my writing through working with professionals in the field. This experience gave me the confidence to trust my instincts and believe in myself.
Read Alex’s article here
Co-op is committed to creating opportunities for young people to make their community a safer and fairer place. To find out more about Co-op’s work with young people, please visit here. To find out more about the Peer Action Collective, please visit here
