​​​​​What is the Peer Action Collective?

Through the Peer Action Collective (PAC) young people are working to make their communities safer, fairer places to live.  

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Funded by the Youth Endowment Fund, the #iwill Fund (a joint investment between The National Lottery Community Fund and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and the Co-op), the PAC is here to support young people to take the lead.  

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PAC is a ground-breaking network of Peer Researchers, Social Action Leads and Changemakers. Young people with lived experience of violence find out what needs to happen to make their area a better place to live and turn these insights into action. 

 

From influencing school practises, to improving local mental health services, co-producing violence reduction strategies or supporting more young people into employment – together, they are ensuring that young voices respond to issues that directly affect them.  

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Who does it help?

Young people across England and Wales at risk of being a victim of or being exposed to youth violence.

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What was our role on the project?

We explored young people's experiences of racism, and more specifically, whether racism leads, causes or contributes towards youth violence.

 

As part of this research, we worked with local young people who have been impacted by racism, and with the support of a local artist, created a powerful work of art titled 'Does My Race Bother You', which was proudly showcased at The Baltic Contemporary Arts Centre in Newcastle.

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Although no longer a delivery partner on this very important project, over the next five years, PAC will impact the lives of over 11,000 young people in England and Wales through peer research and social action.

 

By 2028 Co-op, the Youth Endowment Fund and the #iwill Fund will have invested £12.7 million into the PAC, creating long term and sustainable social action to help young people access opportunities and live a life free from violence.