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June 30, 2026
Training older Young People to be Systemic Leaders in their Community
Training older Young People to be Systemic Leaders in their Community
Sometimes the young people who felt left out or alienated at school have a lot to give and contribute but are unrecognised. The RJ Working team finds ways to support older young people to feel a sense of belonging, and grow their teamwork, then their leadership skills, using Restorative Practice. The Restorative model is fun to learn, and everyone can find examples from their own experience where it would have helped. Sharing at this personal level creates strong bonds, and this year in Bodmin, a community with lots of challenges, the Open Circle group has achieved a strong presence through this approach. Recent training and development with members of the RJ Working team has resulted in this local group now being ready to contribute to wider systemic changes in their community. They are hosting a big public event: a screening of the People’s Emergency Briefing, and have developed shared confidence to lead the conversation afterwards. Exchanging ideas and ways forward across the generations is essential for community is to strengthen in response to climate change and recognise extreme heat as one element where help may be needed. Restorative Practice provides language and principles for holding the conversation well, and producing pathways forward. Participants included MP Ben McGuire, members of Cornwall Council and Bodmin Town Council. We applaud the young people whose voices and commitment in this are now clearly registered.
