ICA offers a range of youth-focused services and activities, including a youth volunteering scheme, life and leadership skills training, consultation activities and events. ICA also manages the Portland Youth Council and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme (DofE).

Our aim is to help strengthen Portland’s ‘youth voice,’ ensuring young people are not only part of the local decision-making process but are also empowered to proactively lead and contribute to the development and delivery of collaborative solutions (built on robust and meaningful peer-led research and consultation). Working with Portland’s young people and specialist youth organisations, we also want to ensure these solutions address key challenges and priorities and foster confidence, skills, and aspirations, resulting in reduced incidences of marginalisation and improved long-term prospects and opportunities. 

Here’s a couple of examples of our youth focused work.

PORTLAND YOUTH COUNCIL

First launched in 2022 for local young people aged 11-16, Portland Youth Council is going from strength to strength, with plans for the 2025-26 term including a Nature & Public Spaces Campaign, fundraising events, trips, training workshops and volunteering opportunities.

PYC activity focuses on five key priorities, identified through the Youth Councillor’s own manifestos, consultation with peers and evidenced local need. These priorities are:

1. Improve employment, training and volunteering opportunities
2. Promote equality and diversity 
3. Protect the environment
4. Increase social opportunities and affordable activities
5. Improve public spaces.

The PYC is delivered by ICA and Portland Town Council (PTC), with funding coming from a range of grant providers including PTC, The National Lottery Community Fund and Dorset Council’s Youth Fund.

DUKE OF EDINBURGH’S AWARD SCHEME

With social mobility, aspirations and opportunities for young people at extremely low levels across the area, The DofE scheme offers a fantastic way of inspire young people through:

• Skills Development: Participants develop essential life skills like problem-solving, teamwork, leadership, communication, motivation, and focus. 
• Personal Growth: The program builds self-belief, resilience, and confidence as individuals overcome personal challenges and discover hidden talents. 
• Community Engagement: DofE encourages young people to make a positive difference in their communities through volunteering and community service. 
• Adventure & Experience: Participants experience new and exciting activities, including outdoor expeditions, which provide a break from the ordinary and create lifelong memories. 
• Improved Wellbeing: The focus on physical activity and connection with nature contributes to a positive impact on a young person’s physical and emotional wellbeing. 
• Expanded CV: DofE offers a prestigious qualification recognised by universities and employers, setting young people apart in a competitive world.  

ICA’s DofE programme, which includes both the Bronze and Silver Award, is delivered in collaboration with Atlantic Academy Portland.

Here are some photographic highlights from the last year.