Community: supporting youth projects
We don't just talk about community. We're investing £5 million into community projects over three years. This money is there to help young people launch ideas and programmes that benefit the places where they live.
Why are we focusing investment on young people? Because that was the area we felt we could make a real difference – and because our stakeholders told us how important it was to encourage the next generation.
Helping young ideas grow
Young people are full of great ideas, energy and enthusiasm. So we're challenging them to think big. And we're giving them the training and support they need to make their ideas happen.
Already we've invested in a number of Think Big programmes, including:
- A project to help disabled young people go kayaking in Halifax.
- The refurbishment of a senior citizens' garden by young people in Carlisle.
- A youth dance centre in Plymouth.
Every project we support is unique. But each embodies the values of Think Big: emphasis on working together and sharing ideas – and the belief that together we can make a difference.
Think Big in action: Eliza
Eliza Rebeiro was 14 when a close friend was stabbed to death. In response she started a campaign against knife crime: Lives Not Knives.
She's now focusing on primary school children, inviting 150 kids to talk about their experiences of knife crime through art, poetry and storytelling. O2 is supporting Eliza by funding the printing costs of a special booklet, which Eliza is distributing to local schools.
Can you think big?
Sustainability Report
See how we're working with young people and engaging local communities.
