Developing Work Skills Students —Carmele, Sofie, Ryan, Sasha, Freddie, and Jason—are on a mission to earn their Leadership Digital Skills Badge. The task was to identify an issue that resonates with them and their community. After being moved by the tragic Fawkes in the Walks incident, they found their focus: the use of fireworks. 
 
 As they began digging into the issue, the team quickly realised how many people and animals are affected by fireworks. Carmele uncovered heartbreaking stories about the stress fireworks cause for pets and zoo animals, while the group also learned about their impact on neurodiverse individuals and the costs to public safety. The big question became: what should they campaign for? A total ban? Restricting sales to licensed users? Or promoting noise-reduced fireworks, which are just as affordable as regular ones? And they agreed that firework display sales should be licensed and only noise reduced fireworks should be sold to the public. 
 
 The students split up to research different aspects of the issue. They studied why previous petitions had failed, the toll fireworks take on animals, and how they affect vulnerable communities. Along the way, Carmele realised their campaign hook was a bit too wordy. With some teamwork, they made it punchier and more engaging. It was a moment of growth for the team, showing their ability to adapt and refine their message. 
 
 With support from their Learning Support Officers, Tiff, Shelley, and Becky, the team took all the necessary steps to get their campaign rolling. They secured permission from David Pomfret to move forward and reached out to local DJ Simon Rowe, who was quick to offer his support in promoting the petition. 
 
 Now, they’re focused on building awareness and gathering signatures!  

If you'd like to sign, find out more information here.