Creating Lasting Impact: Young Changemakers in Swansea

First Give exists to inspire young people to make a difference in their communities by equipping them with the skills, confidence and opportunities to give back. By connecting students with local charities and real social issues, the programme empowers young people to create meaningful change that extends far beyond the classroom.

This impact was powerfully demonstrated by Year 9 students at Pentrehafod School in Swansea, who won a £1,000 First Give grant for Swansea Women’s Aid, a charity supporting women and children affected by domestic abuse. With three quarters of a million children in Wales impacted by domestic abuse, affecting one in four households, the issue resonated strongly within the students’ own community.

Winning the grant marked a significant milestone, but it was not the end of the students’ involvement. Instead, it became the foundation for an ongoing partnership with Swansea Women’s Aid, driven by the students’ determination to continue making a difference.

Year 9 students won a £1,000 First Give grant for Swansea Women’s Aid

Over the following year, the students built on their initial success by taking further action to support the charity’s work. They organised a whole-school fun run to raise awareness, engaging their peers and widening understanding of the issue. In addition, they coordinated a collection of children’s books, helping ensure that families supported by the charity have access to stories that inspire, comfort and uplift.

Students organised a collection of children’s books, ensuring that families in need have access to stories that inspire and uplift.

Laura Hill from Swansea Women’s Aid highlighted the tangible impact of these efforts, explaining that the funds raised will directly support the charity’s CHYPS programme (Children and Young People’s Service) by providing play activities, resources and opportunities for trips. She also noted that the books donated by the students are already reaching young people who will benefit from them.

“First Give is an impressive project,” she said, “and it’s so important for young people to get involved.”

Through their continued commitment, the students demonstrated that social action is not a one-off project but a sustained effort rooted in empathy, responsibility and community connection. Their ongoing partnership with Swansea Women’s Aid has strengthened vital services for women and children, while also inspiring other students to get involved in meaningful community work.

This case study captures the true spirit of First Give: empowering young people to become changemakers who understand the power of collective action. By combining initial success with long-term engagement, the students at Pentrehafod School have shown how young people can create real, lasting impact, not just for today, but for the future.

By Rhiannon Youssef– First Give Programme Manager for Wales & the South West