Newcastle teen activist: Championing refugee aid on the path to politics
Meet Eleanor Woolstencroft, a remarkable local youth activist who has much to celebrate – and we want to celebrate with her.
In between her A Level studies (which is a huge commitment all by itself!) Eleanor has been supporting refugee communities in northern France.
Unsurprisingly, she has big dreams of a bright future in politics and international relations, and she’s already making waves at just 18.
“I want to do everything I can to make the world a better place.”
Eleanor is heavily involved with a number of regional charities and serves as a Youth Officer for Newcastle Central Constituency Labour Party (CLP), and has spent two weeks volunteering with refugee charity Care4Calais this year.
She dedicates much of her free time to supporting humanitarian causes while studying at Dame Allan’s Schools, which is highly commendable and something that should inspire us all!
Eleanor moved to the independent school Sixth Form in Year 13 to add Politics as a fourth A Level option, driven by her ambition to pursue the subject at university.
She said: “I want to do everything I can to make the world a better place. I’m passionate about activism and volunteering because I want to do all I can to help people.”
Eleanor insisted that her time with Care4Calais, a volunteer-run charity that provides vital support to around 700 refugees living in and around Calais, left an indestructible mark on her.
“The difference I saw being made in Calais was immense,” she said. “The distribution of food packs meant Muslim refugees could observe Ramadan. Giving out tents after the French police destroyed them meant people had shelter for the night.
“The communities Care4Calais supports are composed of the most kind and resilient people; their bravery and determination was inspirational.”
A trustee of award-winning Moving Parts Arts
Eleanor’s journey into activism began at a young age, fuelled by a desire to make the world a better place. If only we had more Eleanors in charge…
At 14, she joined the Labour party and now serves as a Youth Officer and Social Media Coordinator for Newcastle Central CLP. She was the first under-18 graduate of Labour’s ‘Jo Cox Women in Leadership Programme’ and will attend her second Labour Party Annual Conference as a delegate in September.
During term-time, the dedicated teenager volunteers each week at Newcastle’s Hadrian School, supporting pupils with a range of additional and complex needs, through Dame Alan’s co-curricular community service programme. She is also a trustee of award-winning Newcastle arts and community development charity, Moving Parts Arts.
Chris Zarraga, Director of Schools North East, said: “Congratulations to Eleanor on her incredible humanitarian work! Her compassion and dedication are not only inspiring for the entire region, but also a beacon of hope in our world. Keep shining your light and making a positive difference in the lives of others.”
Will Scott, Principal at Dame Allan’s Schools, said: “Eleanor’s dedication to volunteering exemplifies the spirit of compassion and empathy we strive to instill in our students and her commitment to social justice and humanitarian causes serves as an inspiration to us all.
“With her passion for politics and determination to effect positive change on a global scale, Eleanor is poised to become a transformative force in society.”
Isn’t Eleanor’s story amazing? She’s proof that age is no barrier to making a difference!
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