Students showcase their city on social media

COMMUNITY minded Ripon Grammar School students with a talent for social media are promoting the benefits of their city to the wider world.

Creative, attention-grabbing posts on Instagram, Tik Tok and Facebook by sixth formers Amelia Briggs, Katy Thody, Maisie Puplett, Fran Robinson, Lucy Wright and Sophie Winnard put Ripon’s numerous attractions firmly in the spotlight.

The students took on the role as volunteers with Ripon Together - a not-for-profit community interest company which aims to help make the city a friendly and thriving place to live and a welcoming place to visit - to help strengthen community spirit and engagement across Ripon

Dedicated to managing the organisation’s social media accounts, they have drawn up a weekly posting schedule, designed to showcase a wide range of events, organisations and businesses in the city.

Recent content has focused on popular venues such as the Storehouse Kitchen, local traditions such as the Hornblower and the wealth of festive events taking place across the city.

Ripon Together board member David Ingham praised the talented students’ work, which is all cleared by the organisation before publication: “They made an impressive presentation to our AGM in November, setting out their plans and approach – all of which were warmly approved.

“We've asked them to think for themselves, and to build a social media presence from a younger person's point of view in Ripon. We'll try to support them and find experienced people for them to talk to, either from the media or with technical knowledge.

“Hopefully between us we can establish a group which can be continued by other students in future years,” he said.

Katy, who is also producing the organisation’s newsletter, said: “From analysing engagement and responding to messages to brainstorming different areas of the Ripon community to spotlight, taking part in the project has not only instilled the importance of community, but equipped us with crucial life skills such as teamwork, communication and digital literacy - skills that will prove invaluable to us long after we leave school.”

She thanked experienced Ripon Together Members, Tim Tribe, David Ingham and Stuart Martin for their considerable help.

Amelia added: "I have found the Ripon Together team truly motivated and collaborative, with wonderful teamwork helping our progress in attracting attention on the social media.

“I have loved being a part of the project, as I am so passionate about hopefully bringing some new youth opportunities into the Ripon community.

“I have found the broad range of activities, from planning a presentation to a council board meeting to thinking of local fundraisers, really exciting."

The team, which is now also exploring ways to fundraise for local youth projects, meets each week to discuss progress, plan upcoming content and think up innovative ideas to further enhance community engagement in Ripon beyond social media.

“Keep an eye out for exciting, community-focused events coming soon,” said Katy.

“We aim to showcase an even wider range of local businesses in Ripon on social media to further expand the accounts reach and impact and ensure that all corners of Ripon’s community are celebrated.”

Since their involvement, she added, there has been increased engagement, with Ripon Together posts receiving more views and likes and a growing number of followers, highlighting the positive impact Ripon Grammar School involvement is having on the local community.

“Be sure to follow Ripon Together on your socials!”

Amelia, Maisie, Fran, Lucy and Sophie pictured with Tim Tribe, Stuart Martin and David Ingham from Ripon Together