The Day One Project case study

The Day One Project was carried out by a diverse group of 18 young residents of Sheffield (aged 11-22) who were supported by the Youth Voice and Influence Team (Community Youth Services) at Sheffield City Council. The project occurred as a response to the City Council’s Sustainability Team’s need to understand young residents’ perspectives on climate change and identify local solutions. The project worked with Sheffield’s two universities (Sheffield Hallam University, University of Sheffield), The Sheffield College, Universal Youth Services, multiple creative agencies (My Pockets, Mantra Media), and community hubs (The Art House).

The group had various conversations in youth clubs across the city before the project group formed and used those conversations to produce the collaborative artwork ensuring it was representative of views from young people across the city.  They then moved to screen printing which was an opportunity for the young residents to produce their views and opinions as bold posters. Throughout the entire process, young people were co-creating every part of it, including accessibility planning and promotional materials for the exhibition launch event and other events where their work was to be showcased.

The project enabled diverse thoughts and insights to be gathered around how climate change is viewed by young people. It found that most see the issues of climate change through the social injustices young people face every day, especially when it comes to situations such as rising fuel bills and the incapacity to heat one’s home fully. The project also worked with young people with SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities), who emphasised the need for visual and sensory sensitive communication. The report produced to evaluate the project also noted that there are competing priorities for many families and young people – such as economic aspirations and parental relationships versus climate action. 

"This project is very raw and shows the impact that all of us can have when we work together. Rather than being a perfect film or poster, this is a collection of emotion and collaboration, which will hopefully resonate with people more." – Young Person involved in project

 For more information, see The Day One Project