Envision is a UK based charity that empowers young people from less-advantaged backgrounds to develop skills through their own social action campaigns. 

Through tackling social issues affecting their own communities, our students are able to shine a light on important issues, whilst building their confidence. Envision has worked with the Co-op for several years and we’re thrilled to have our students take part for the fifth year running.

Every secondary in our Trust participated, including for the first time, Co-op Academy Southfield - a special school in Bradford. A selected group of Year 8’s were introduced to the 12 week programme. They’ll now be working together to design, develop and deliver a youth-led social action project that’s unique to their academy. It’s a fantastic way to work towards key milestones, whilst building the essential skills and confidence that can help them to succeed later in life. 

Last year, the winners were Co-op Academy North Manchester whose project set out to create an anti-racist environment in their community. They worked with students and pupils at local primary schools to educate and empower them to be actively anti-racist! Find out more. 

With the grand final scheduled for 2 July, academies will showcase their campaign results to a panel of judges and compete to be crowned the Envision 2024 Winners. We can't wait to see their campaigns!

Jo Clark, Director of Programmes and Impact at Envision, said: 

“We are always blown away by the creativity and determination that the teams at Co-op Academies Trust show at their launch events, and this year was no exception! From establishing new recycling schemes, to creating a nicer school environment, to raising awareness of the negative impacts of vaping. The teams all walked away with such innovative ideas for how to make a positive change in their academies. We cannot wait to see them in May for the Pitching Challenge where they will share their developed plans!'

Check out photos from the launch: