The Young Grant Makers programme puts decision-making power into the hands of young people to shape the activities and services available to them in the borough. One of the projects funded by Young Grant Makers in 2023-4, alongside numerous other charities around Islington, has been making a difference to young people attending Mary’s Youth Club.
“Its a way of reserving judgement and bringing an element of art because everyone learns differently.” ~ Sarah, Mary’s Yoga Instructor
Mary’s Youth Club has a wide range of activities for young people to take part in from ballet, dance classes to karate. The funding from Young Grant Makers is supporting yoga sessions delivered in partnership with Urban Yogis. The project aims to improve young people’s wellbeing through sessions focusing on physical yoga practice, breathing exercises to support emotional regulation, mindfulness and meditation.
Sarah, the yoga instructor leading the session, at Mary’s says that teaching the classes in Islington “feels uplifting and inspiring…although it can be a bit of a challenge” trying to keep the young participants engaged in the classes, she “felt really surprised about the amount of fun we have.”
“I think these projects are really important for young people as it gets them out of the house and a chance to socialise with others instead of spending hours on a screen. It’s also a chance to learn something new and be actively involved in the community just like young grant makers.” ~Leah, Alumni Storyteller and Former Young Grant Maker
Another way to engage the young people, Sarah has a colouring station for those who feel reluctant to join in. “Its a way of reserving judgement and bringing an element of art because everyone learns differently.”
Her weekly sessions bring an element of themes and games that gives everyone an opportunity to partake such as doing warm up exercises to music and a question of the day to make the introverted young people feel at ease.
Twice a term the sessions will include a workshop on topics including: healthy relationships, mental health, online safety, serious youth violence (from The Urban Yogi Curriculum). Once a term the project also aims to offer an offsite activity selected and planned by young people participating in the project. This could be to the Twist Museum, Paddleboarding, visiting Nature reserves (Walthamstow/Woodberry), or something else.
“Young grant makers has shown how my voice as a young person can be heard. It also gave me a chance to help my community which benefited other young people such as employment opportunities, mental health etc.” ~Leah, Alumni Storyteller and Former Young Grant Maker
By Leah, Islington Giving Alumni Storyteller and former Young Grant Maker
