YOUNG people from Chipping Sodbury have been commended for their creative work during social action projects at a celebratory event.

Dodington Parish Council and young people from the area celebrated the success of the youth project, Social Action Youth Project (SAY) which involved the young people working with residents to enhance Chipping Sodbury.

The event took place on Saturday, January 17 in recognition of the success of the youth project, with Dodington councillors, staff and contractors attending to congratulate the young people from Chipping Sodbury School.

Around 15 young people from the school consulted local people about enhancements to Lilliput Park, and then they designed and painted benches which have been sited near the play area.

The young people also created a mosaic as a new entrance feature for the park.

Dodington Parish Council provided practical support in installing the mosaic and the benches.

Cllr Paul Hulbert said: "We were very impressed by the young people’s imagination and hard work.

“They really engaged with the people who live near the park, and carried the concept through to a very pleasing result.

“They should be very proud of what they’ve achieved. They’ve really inspired the parish council.

“We're starting to generate even more ideas for improving Lilliput Park, and we hope that we can work with them again on some of our future projects.”

The SAY Project was organised and led by the Southern Brooks partnership, and some of the young people have used the project to gain qualifications in youth work.

More than 70 young people have taken part in the project, choosing to focus their efforts on raising awareness of dementia and improving local green spaces, including a creative arts programme with staff and residents from The Heathers nursing home in Yate.

The SAY pilot project, which is funded by the Cabinet Office’s Youth Social Action Journey Fund, will support 720 young people to deliver social action projects in communities across Bristol and South Gloucestershire.

The project is delivered by a partnership between Southern Brooks Community Partnerships, Creative Youth Network and Young Bristol.

By March 2015, 240 young mentors (aged 15+) will develop leadership skills and gain an NOCN Level 2 Award in Youth Work Practice, as they support a further 480 younger volunteers (aged 10-14) to design and deliver their own community projects.

Following their participation in the SAY project, the National Citizen Service (NCS) provides an opportunity for young people to continue their social action journey.

A wide range of social action projects has been delivered through SAY, reflecting the diverse needs and aspirations of different communities. These include a pop-up community café, a community nature trail, intergenerational projects to improve communal spaces in residential homes and supported housing, support for homelessness, community artwork, and fundraising for local charities.

To find out more about the project visit www.southernbrooks.org.uk/?id=1387.