Philip Lawrence Awards Network

SSOIL (sewing seeds of inspiration locally) is an eco friendly, environmental group.

Who we are

15 young people.

Where we're based

Kilbirnie, Ayrshire

When we started

31st Dec 2006

How we started

It is recognised that very often the transition from primary to secondary school can prove to be a very difficult, traumatic and even frightening experience for some young people. The SSOIL group is a product of a transition pilot scheme set up by North Ayrshire Community Development.

Our work

The aim of the project is to offer activities to young people to modify or enhance their own and other people's views and expectations or their individual abilities to cope and develop during any transition period in their life.
These young people have successfully come through the process of moving onto secondary school by taking part in various activities and group work sessions that all contributed to alleviating the difficulties and problems that some young people experience. These young people are now involved in peer educational programmes where they deliver presentations on the transition from primary to secodary school to their peers. They raise awarenes of bullying, the dangers of smoking and alcohol/drug abuse. They are also active members of their community taking part in an intergenerational project where they are working alongside various mature age groups helping to develop a community garden.
The S.S.O.I.L. Group play a major part in the planning and decision making process. The youth workers are there to help guide the young people and provide support and assistance when and if required. The local primary schools and the local academy also support the young people. The young people have worked alongside agencies such as: NHS, Community Council, Community Safety Forum, and Community Development. The young people have gained a lot from this project such as: Decision making skills, Leadership skills, communication skills and team building skills. They have also helped to raise awareness of various issues that affect young people.

Future plans

The young people say that they have not yet completed their biggest achievement which is to help complete the community garden for the whole of the community to enjoy.
With or without an award the young people will continue to carry out their good work. However, to win the Award would be a fantasitic achievement for the young people. The award would always be a great reminder to them and future groups of all the hard work and effort that they have put into helping their peers and making a difference in their local community. And how it was all worthwhile.