Better youth social action opportunities, thanks to partnership with social enterprise

We've joined forces with Beatfreeks to create a new partnership which is aimed at enhancing opportunities for charities and groups to foster greater, more effective social action in their communities. 

Beatfreeks, who are a creative social enterprise focused on empowering young people through arts, culture, and activism, will lead the SNG Youth Social Action Network, which was formerly called the SNG #iwill Youth Network. 

This new collaboration will help to develop more youth-based organisations by creating a forum for them to share resources, best practices and ideas of how to give more young people the skills and opportunities to thrive. 

Our Youth Social Action Network is part of the SNG #iwill Fund, a £66 million joined investment from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, and The National Lottery Community Fund to create opportunities for young people to get involved in youth social action and positively influence their communities and futures. SNG is acting as a match funder and awarding grants on behalf of the #iwill Fund.  

So far, we've awarded more than £540k in grants to grassroot organisations through the SNG #iwill Fund – and created more than £12.5 million in social value in the process. Groups and charities which have already received funding have focused on creating positive change across their communities as well as those which have delivered benefits to health and wellbeing.

Ellie Cutler, SNG’s #iwill Fund Project Officer, said: “Partnering with Beatfreeks is a really exciting opportunity for us, and we’re delighted to be working together to increase youth social action opportunities across SNG communities. 

“We know that collaboration is key to delivering long-lasting impact. This partnership will strengthen the SNG Youth Social Action Network and, in doing so, provide the opportunity for more grassroot organisations to gather the tools they need to go further, gain valuable insights and really amplify their impact in the community.” 

Anisa Morridadi, Beatfreeks’ founder said: "Young people are leading change in communities across the UK—we’re here to make sure they have the backing to do it boldly. The SNG Youth Social Action Network is a vibrant network of changemakers and we're excited to be a part of connecting the organisations that champion youth action: creating space to share what works, spark new ideas, and push for real impact." 

Through a series of free networking events, innovation labs and workshops, the Network will meet once per quarter to co-create solutions and learn from each other's experiences. This will be accompanied by quarterly newsletters, plus online resources and messaging tools. 

Anyone aged over 16 from any organisation interested in youth social action is welcome to join the Network. Whether you're experienced, starting your first project, or just learning about youth social action, all charities and groups who meet the relevant criteria are welcome to join.  

Charities and groups interested in becoming part of the Network should head to our Youth Network webpage for details of how to sign up.