Children of Addicted Parents and People

A group of 20 leading young social entrepreneurs plan a Commission for Youth Social Enterprise following the Big Boost Summer Academy. The five day residential event, funded by the Big Boost and led by innovation company ?Whatif! included a meeting with Minister for the Third Sector, Phil Hope MP and inspired the group to press for improved understanding and support.

The week long academy aimed to inspire creativity and learning amongst the young social entrepreneurs, to enable them to share experiences, learn from one another and help broaden the impact they have on society. As well as a visit to the Office of the Third Sector where the group was one of the first to meet with the new minister, the group also met social enterprises Greenworks, Accenture Development Partnerships and Chief Executive of the Big Lottery Fund, Stephen Dunmore.

The young social entrepreneurs are aiming to make a lasting impact by being a central part of the social entrepreneurship ‘revolution’; they hope that Commission for Youth Social Enterprise will play a key role in promoting social entrepreneurship in the UK.

Duane Melius, Big Boost Award Winner, who attended the academy, said:

“Going on the Big Boost summer Academy for me has been literally a Life Changing experience. Being in such a supportive environment with my peers has given me a renewed sense of self-belief and the tools I have been equipped with have brought fresh vigour and creativity to every aspect of my life.”

Josie Gosbee, Big Boost Operations Manager, said: “The academy helped highlight that we have started something great with the Big Boost: there is a culture of young people who really want to make a difference to the world - this needs to be nurtured and built upon.”

The event was hosted by BBC and Channel 4 TV presenter Kris Murrin and kicked off with a fashion show courtesy of Greenknickers, an ethical underwear company and one of the first to receive a Big Boost award in 2006.

Other young budding social entrepreneurs pitched to a Dragon’s Den-style panel, for a top prize of £5000. The winners, Like a Bike, received their award from Channel 4’s ‘secret millionaire’ and young entrepreneur, Ben Way, and intend to use the prize to promote ethical transport in London.

Cliff Prior, CEO of UnLtd, said:

“This was a fabulous opportunity to harness the energies of all these young people and to get the message out that young people are engaged, active and involved in their communities. By making its 3000th award the Big Boost is reaching out to an increasing number of incredible young people with brilliant ideas who are really making a positive difference in communities across the country.”