Youth-Led Programmes
Building Power. Shaping Futures. Driving Systemic Change.
Youth-Led Programmes
Building Power. Shaping Futures. Driving Systemic Change.
Our youth-led work is grounded in a deep commitment to racial, social and economic justice. We engage young people — particularly those with lived experience and those furthest from opportunity — in projects that build power, challenge inequality and drive systemic change, while also supporting their personal growth, leadership and wellbeing.
We believe young people are not just future leaders — they are leaders now. Through youth-led action, collective learning and mentorship, young people design and lead solutions to the issues that directly affect their lives, their communities and their futures.
What We Do
We support young people — especially those from minoritised and marginalised communities — to build skills, confidence and influence through:
- Leadership programmes
- Youth-led social action projects
- Research and advocacy initiatives
- Youth-led storytelling and creativity
- Mentoring and coaching
Young people plan, lead and deliver projects that tackle real-world challenges, foster a growth mindset, and create meaningful, collective change.
Our Key Focus Areas
Leadership
Leadership
We create opportunities for young people to develop ideas, strategies and solutions that challenge inequality and shift systems. Through practical leadership programmes, young people learn how to lead with purpose, confidence and integrity — grounded in their lived experiences.
Critical Thinking
Critical Thinking
We provide training, coaching and safe spaces that strengthen young people’s ability to analyse issues such as race, racism, mental health, education and inequality. Young people build the skills to question narratives, understand systems, and develop informed, evidence-based responses.
Influence
Influence
We facilitate networks that connect young people with decision-makers, institutions and stakeholders, supporting them to champion youth voice where it matters most — in boardrooms, policy spaces and public debate. This is about moving from consultation to real influence.
Current Youth Led Projects
Youth-Led Research: Race, Racism and Education
This is a co-produced project between York St John University and Afrikindness, in partnership with Liverpool Hope University, funded by the Institute of Social Justice.
Young people are leading research exploring lived experiences of race, racism and inequality in education. The project builds knowledge, confidence and power — equipping young people to influence policy, practice and systems that affect their lives.
Get Involved
Help Us Support More Young People
We are always looking for people and organisations who believe in youth power and want to make a difference.
You can get involved by:
- Becoming a Youth-Led Project Mentor
Supporting youth participation and leadership - Partnering with us on youth-led programmes or research
- Funding or sponsoring youth-led initiatives
When young people are supported, listened to and trusted — communities and systems change.
