Young people from Duke's Secondary School marked the successful completion of their Growing Young Leaders course with a memorable trip to London on Tuesday 14th July, visiting the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey.
The visit was made possible thanks to generous fundraising efforts and grant funding, ensuring every young person had the opportunity to take part. The course has been led by the Diocesan Youth and Children's Team, with invaluable support from local clergy and volunteers throughout the year.
A highlight of the day was meeting Ashington MP Ian Lavery, who welcomed the group to Parliament, gave them a guided tour and took time to answer their questions about politics, representation and public service. The visit gave the young people a unique opportunity to connect with their local MP and gain a deeper understanding of how Parliament works. Many left feeling inspired by Ian's journey and encouraged by the chance to share their own views in a safe and respectful environment.
Reflecting on the experience, one young person said, "Even though I found parts of it really difficult, it's raised my confidence," while another described it as "an amazing experience that I've worked up to all year." Others spoke about the friendships they had built, saying it was "a great opportunity to bond with other people," and praised the opportunity to ask questions and feel connected to their local MP. The visit to Westminster Abbey also proved to be a powerful learning experience, with young people describing it as "eye-opening," helping to broaden their understanding of history.
The London visit was a fitting conclusion to a year of personal growth, leadership development and community engagement. As one participant reflected, "It's sad that this is our last time together because some of us are leaving school." While the programme may have come to an end, many of the young people are now looking ahead to new opportunities, including volunteering with Beyond Youth and continuing to make a positive difference in their local communities.
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