Young people across the UK and Northern Ireland have created a rich variety of changemaking projects over the past 13 years, including music events, sports clubs, murals, walking tours and many more. Read the case studies below.
Bolton Alumni Agent Safa and Abdullahi founded One Voice, Many Stories, a project that aims to remove the stigma around young refugees, immigrants and asylum seekers through creative workshops and sharing stories. The project also supports them in accessing housing, benefits, legal advice and other vital opportunities.
With a deep belief that access to food is a basic human right and not a privilege, Southampton Alumni Agent Chris founded free cooking sessions teaching young people how to turn food bank supplies into nutritious, affordable meals.
Southampton Alumni Agent Hibah developed a project called Riyadah (formerly named Veil of Valour), focusing on helping girls to build confidence, independence and practical life skills through self-defence and personal development sessions.
Chester Alumni Max developed Wise Connections, a buddy system for neurodivergent young people to come together in the wake of COVID through creative activities, like escape rooms, podcasting, creative workshops, quizzes and more.
London Alumni Agent Jessica joined The Agency when she was sixteen years old, shortly after finishing her GCSEs. Before joining The Agency in 2011, Jessica was preparing to start her A Levels at college. While she knew she loved drama, she didn’t yet have a clear picture of what her future might look like or where her interests could take her. What she did know was that she wanted to make a positive difference in her community.
London Alumni Agent Djibril founded Universal Language - “I Speak Football”, an idea coming from his own experience of arriving in the UK with English as a second language. He built the project to offer that same pathway to others. The idea is to help young migrants and refugees improve their English through football sessions that incorporate language classes, mentoring, and advisory support.
London Alumni Agent Malakai started swimming from a young age and was motivated to raise awareness of the lack of swimming skills in the Black community, whilst increasing awareness about water safety and swimming as a lifesaving skill. He has since become a qualified swimming teacher through the Swimming Teachers' Association.
Southampton Alumni Agent Yulu’s desire for environmental and social justice manifested into Eco-Kids, a series of workshops to educate young people about the climate crisis through being environmental stewards.
London Alumni Agent Henrietta amplifies the voices of care-experienced young people on stages across the UK and beyond. Henri is now a Trustee for The Agency of Change, helping to drive the vision of this movement.
Manchester Alumni Agent Samuel joined The Agency when he was 15. Samuel and Andrew created Amplify, a project comprising workshops and recording sessions, culminating in the production of an EP. Through The Agency, Samuel honed his organisational skills, and he is now the CEO of Young Manchester.
London Alumni Agent Osmond designed Life Is What U Make It, a board game helping young people navigate real-life choices. His work won The National Lottery’s Young Hero of the Year Award.
Once at risk of exclusion, Manchester Alumni Agent Farhad created Potential MCR, now mentoring young people across the city. The project was awarded the Big Education Challenge and the Bright Future Prize. Farhad is now an Agency Correspondent and a Steering Group member for The Agency of Change.
