Large numbers of social innovation project ideas submitted to Young Social Innovators this year are to focus on issues relating to mental health and cyber bullying.
5,000 teenagers throughout Ireland are involved in social innovation projects with Young Social Innovators this year and will spend the next six months researching and implementing their own innovative initiatives to various social issues selected by them.
Young social innovators pictured at the Leinster Region: Dublin City Speak Out 2012 demonstrate the range of issues tackled by participants each year.
Another issue being addressed by several YSI teams this year is that of farm safety. Over 120 students will focus on innovative ways to promote safety on farms as part of their participation in the Young Social Innovators programme. Several fatal farming accidents have been reported over the past few months.
Other key trends identifiable from this year’s project idea submissions include raising awareness of, and campaigning for, better facilities for people with various disabilities; building relationships with and addressing the isolation of older people; creating community facilities for youth; combatting negative stereotyping of teenagers through community involvement; and promoting health awareness and issues relating to alcohol and substance abuse.
Road safety, homelessness, Sudden Adult Death Syndrome, animal rights, cancer awareness and global issues relating to human rights, sustainable development and the environment are also themes under investigation by this year’s YSI teams.
Rachel Collier, Co-founder and CEO of Young Social Innovators, said, “We are all affected by issues in the world around us, none more so than young people. Recent tragedies have shown an increased interest in issues such as cyber bullying and farm safety while concerns such as mental health and suicide, drug and alcohol abuse, and issues affecting older people and people with disabilities continue to be addressed by these inspiring young people.”
For a full listing of all of the YSI projects taking place this year see: http://www.youngsocialinnovators.ie/index.php/current_projects
