Futureproof to return to help young people gain life skills

Young people will have the opportunity to gain valuable life skills with the return of the Futureproof campaign.

Returning for its second year from 12 to 25 July, Futureproof is a two-week long event encouraging young people aged 11 to 17 years old to build resilience and feel part of the community.

A range of different topics will be covered from tips for coping with anxiety and mindfulness to cooking healthy meals and support with working out your next steps after school.

Local organisations are involved and will provide both online and face-to-face activities.

Malvern Hills District Council (MHDC) has partnered with Malvern Hills District Youth Action Network (MHYAN) to deliver Futureproof and the campaign is being championed by the council's new Youth Chair and Advisors.

Futureproof will be promoted on the MHDC website, as well as through videos, posts and activities on social media. This year, the campaign will also be shared on the Wychavon District Council social media pages too.

Cllr Tom Wells, Portfolio Holder for Community Services at Malvern Hills District Council, said: "It is so important that young people access the support they need to build resilience and gain valuable life skills to thrive in the future. Futureproof is a brilliant opportunity to find out how through informative videos, advice and fun activities".

Ness Cole, Chairperson of MHYAN, said: "I am really excited for this year's Futureproof event. Young people really are our future and it's great to be able to work with them to show their potential. If you are a young person aged 11-17, now is the opportunity to get involved and take part in the exciting events taking place as part of Futureproof and see what great opportunities there are in your local area".

Futureproof was originally launched in response to the council's Bigger Picture Survey, which was completed by over 1,200 11 to 18-year-olds across the district in 2018.

The survey asked what living, working and studying in the district was like. Preparing for life after school, learning important life skills, dealing with stress and feeling a part of their local community were the top issues highlighted by young people.

People can follow the campaign on Twitter (@MalvernHills_DC and @Wychavon), Facebook (@MalvernHillsDC and @wychavon) and Instagram (@malvernhillsdistrictcouncil and @wychavondc) and share content using #MHFutureproof.

Visit www.malvernhills.gov.uk/youth for more information.