Act For Change Together

Democracy Café - Why is youth engagement in politics vital for democracy?
2021-07-29 12:00 - 13:30 UTC
workshop
Democracy Café – Why is youth engagement in politics vital for democracy?Young people! Have you ever realised the power of your vote? Your voice? Your activism? Your petition? Your social media post? Every single action counts and gets us all closer to a fairer and more inclusive democratic system for young people. Youth disengagement in politics keeps alarmingly increasing, but yet younger generations are the most impacted by policies not made to fit their needs. Letting someone else make the decisions on your behalf risks democracy and, let’s talk facts, your entire future. It does not take much to stand up and be counted!
Act for Change Together, in partnership with My Life My Say, brings an unmissable event to your screens!
My Life My Say
https://www.mylifemysay.org.uk/
About the speakers
About Rocío Cacho
Rocío is a lifelong devotee of politics and social justice. Before working as the current Engagement Manager at My Life My Say, she worked for a social impact start-up empowering and upskilling refugees to erupt into the European tech sector. Her postgraduate program on International Security and Terrorism at the University of Nottingham triggered her enthusiasm for systemic change-making and the role of the youth in creating a fairer world for themselves.
About Aleesha Khaliq
Aleesha is a journalist and communications expert. After working for CNN International, she became a columnist at Gal Dem sharing political pieces to amplify the voices of people of color, and also the Communications Manager at My Life My Say. She is also an online activist on Twitter expressing her discontent with institutional racism and sexism.
About Jovan Nepaul
Jovan is a dedicated grassroots political campaigner studying his postgraduate program on History at the University of Cambridge. He is leading the Young Leaders Programme at My Life My Say, training and upskilling those for underrepresented communities to lead change at a local, regional and national level. He also organises Parliamentary campaigns for Labour Party candidates in the West Midlands.
About Mete Coban
As CEO of My Life My Say, Mete is best known for contributing to the increase of turnout for young people at the 2017 and 2019 UK General Elections. The youngest ever elected Councillor in the London Borough of Hackney, he is currently serving the administration as the Cabinet Member for Energy, Waste and Transport. Previously, he worked on the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan’s election campaign, leading on youth engagement. In 2020, he received an MBE for services to young people recognising his efforts to make politics more accessible for the younger generation.
Organisation
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Stop and Search
2021-07-28 18:30 - 19:00
PODCAST
Stop and SearchYoung people of The Warren are joined by the head of stop and search in Hull. We work with many young people who have been through the stop and search process and feel they have been stereotyped not only because of their race but also their age, appearance and gender.
This podcast episode will outline these young people’s experiences and the responses from the police.
We will discuss what to do if you feel like you have been stopped and searched unfairly and how these experiences can affect individuals’ views of the police.
Organisation
Other podcast episodes
AFCT Podcast LaunchJuly 26, 2021 @ 6:30 pm - 7:30 pmThe Act for Change Together Podcast platforms the experiences of young people across the UK who want to change the narrative on assumptions that have been made about them. How to engage people that disagree with you (part 1)July 26, 2021 @ 7:30 pm - 8:00 pmAward winning menstrual health charity Irise International open the Act for Change Together podcast by tackling a big question in activism - how do we engage people in our work who disagree with us?
Mental Health in EducationJuly 27, 2021 @ 2:00 pm - 2:30 pmNewport Mind present a podcast looking at Mental Health in education, specifically secondary school provision for teachers. More than a statisticJuly 28, 2021 @ 2:00 pm - 2:30 pmHeadlines about young people with lived experience of care focus on the negatives. We’re told they’re trouble-makers, don’t do well at school, live their lives on benefits and getting mixed up in crime.
Stop and SearchJuly 28, 2021 @ 6:30 pm - 7:00 pmYoung people of The Warren are joined by the head of stop and search in Hull. We work with many young people who have been through the stop and search process and feel they have been stereotyped not only because of their race but also their age, appearance and gender.
Being a Young RefugeeJuly 29, 2021 @ 2:00 pm - 2:30 pmThe Kent Refugee Action Network (KRAN) presents a podcast on the false and harmful stereotypes that refugees confront. Narrated by KRAN's Youth Ambassadors, young refugees describe their reality, made worse by common myths about who they are, and what they seek.
Being TransJuly 30, 2021 @ 2:00 pm - 2:30 pmHow would you feel if your very existence was being debated, ridiculed and judged everyday? Not just by the expected crowds, but people who you love and share community with?
Facebook Has No StandardsJuly 30, 2021 @ 4:00 pm - 4:30 pmWe share our stories of times people have assumed we’re not capable because of our disabilities, how this made us feel and how this has pushed us to become activists.
How to engage people that disagree with you (Part 2)July 31, 2021 @ 2:00 pm - 2:30 pmAward winning menstrual health charity Irise International open the Act for Change Together podcasts by tackling a big question in activism - how do we engage people in our work who disagree with us? Share This Story, Choose Your Platform!

For Us, By Us: Shake!'s legacy of political youth work
2021-07-28 17:00 - 18:00
workshop
For Us, By Us: Shake!’s legacy of political youth workAnnick Météfia and Haneen Hammou, co-producers of the upcoming Shake! Research report share their learnings from the experience of researching the impact of Shake!’s radical and political youth spaces in the last 10 years. They share their own journey and invite guests to question their relationship to their work, their audiences and to the sector, through language, identities and the structural politics of youth work.
Voices that Shake!
https://www.voicesthatshake.org/
About the speakers
About Annick
Annick Metefia is a youth worker and racial justice activist from France, based in London. She has worked for the Black activists network KIN at New Economy Organisers Network, and for several youth and community organisations, supporting young Black and brown people in developing a collective response to racism, police and State violence. As a member of Shake! family, she has performed poetry at events, run Shake!’s reading group, and co-produced Shake!’s upcoming 10-year legacy research report.
About Haneen
Haneen Hammou is Sudanese and grew up between home and the UK. She is a Shake!r pursuing work in the field to end migration detention in the UK and is currently Secondary Researcher for Shake!’s upcoming 10-year legacy report and Social Justice Researcher at Ten Years’ Time.
Organisation
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Discovering the power of your story
2021-07-28 15:00 - 16:30
workshop
Discovering the power of your storyJoin Emily (She/They) who is the Youth Empowerment Director of Comics Youth to delve into the world of storytelling and change making! You will learn how to apply clear techniques to your writing to help influence, empower and encourage others to take action and support your cause. Your story is a powerful one and it can, and does, make systemic change happen- You just have to know how. Bring a pen and some paper and get stuck into freewriting, editing and creative writing around how you experience the world and how you wish to make change. There are no limits here! Whether you are entirely new to writing or a complete professional, this workshop is for you.
Comics Youth
https://comicsyouth.co.uk/
About the speakers
About Emily
Emily (She/They) is the Youth Empowerment Director of Comics Youth, a creative organisation who use all sorts of media to tell people’s stories and create change for marginalised youth. Comics Youth work with 8-25 year olds who are marginalised in some way and ensure that they are equipped with the skills and knowledge they need to navigate life safely and freely. Emily is also a published poet and creative writer with lots of experience in social justice work, mental health advocacy and leading nation-wide campaigns.
Organisation
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More than a statistic
2021-07-28 14:00 - 14:30
Podcast
More than a statisticHeadlines about young people with lived experience of care focus on the negatives. We’re told they’re trouble-makers, don’t do well at school, live their lives on benefits and getting mixed up in crime. Does that truly reflect young people’s experiences? Or, does each young person, with support, have the power to set their own path? A trio of young people from VOYPIC, the charity for children and young people with lived experience of care in Northern Ireland, discuss their experiences of care, and where their path is leading, hearing from care experienced adults about the routes they have taken. They are determined to be more than a statistic.
About the speakers
About Martha
Hi, My name is Martha and I am 24 years old. I am a Young Leader in Voice of Young People in Care (VOYPIC). I was in kinship Care from 2003 to 2015 and then I moved into Supported living. I am currently studying my BSc Degree in Social Work in University. So far I have achieved 7 GCSEs (A-C), a Double Award A Level in Health and Social Care, a HNC in Health and Social Care and a HNC in Social and community Work.
About Matthew
Hi,My name is Matthew, I’m 20 years old. I’ve been in kinship care for over 10 plus years, and I’ve been a young leader for VOYPIC for three years and involved in VOYPIC for 8 years. I went on to achieve so much from education with 6 GCSEs and I also have qualifications and Game development, Web design, Photography and Animal Care.
About Naomi
Hi, My name is Naomi and I’m 17. I’ve been living with my foster family for about 12 years and I’m being involved with VOYPIC for about six years and have been a young leader for 2 years. I’m currently in school, completing my A levels.
Organisation
Other podcast episodes
AFCT Podcast LaunchJuly 26, 2021 @ 6:30 pm - 7:30 pmThe Act for Change Together Podcast platforms the experiences of young people across the UK who want to change the narrative on assumptions that have been made about them. How to engage people that disagree with you (part 1)July 26, 2021 @ 7:30 pm - 8:00 pmAward winning menstrual health charity Irise International open the Act for Change Together podcast by tackling a big question in activism - how do we engage people in our work who disagree with us?
Mental Health in EducationJuly 27, 2021 @ 2:00 pm - 2:30 pmNewport Mind present a podcast looking at Mental Health in education, specifically secondary school provision for teachers. More than a statisticJuly 28, 2021 @ 2:00 pm - 2:30 pmHeadlines about young people with lived experience of care focus on the negatives. We’re told they’re trouble-makers, don’t do well at school, live their lives on benefits and getting mixed up in crime.
Stop and SearchJuly 28, 2021 @ 6:30 pm - 7:00 pmYoung people of The Warren are joined by the head of stop and search in Hull. We work with many young people who have been through the stop and search process and feel they have been stereotyped not only because of their race but also their age, appearance and gender.
Being a Young RefugeeJuly 29, 2021 @ 2:00 pm - 2:30 pmThe Kent Refugee Action Network (KRAN) presents a podcast on the false and harmful stereotypes that refugees confront. Narrated by KRAN's Youth Ambassadors, young refugees describe their reality, made worse by common myths about who they are, and what they seek.
Being TransJuly 30, 2021 @ 2:00 pm - 2:30 pmHow would you feel if your very existence was being debated, ridiculed and judged everyday? Not just by the expected crowds, but people who you love and share community with?
Facebook Has No StandardsJuly 30, 2021 @ 4:00 pm - 4:30 pmWe share our stories of times people have assumed we’re not capable because of our disabilities, how this made us feel and how this has pushed us to become activists.
How to engage people that disagree with you (Part 2)July 31, 2021 @ 2:00 pm - 2:30 pmAward winning menstrual health charity Irise International open the Act for Change Together podcasts by tackling a big question in activism - how do we engage people in our work who disagree with us? Share This Story, Choose Your Platform!

Importance & Impact of Youth Involvement
2021-07-28 12:00 - 13:00
workshop
Importance & Impact of Youth InvolvementYouth participation is a difficult cliff to traverse, and can feel hard to do in a way that meets an organisation’s needs and those of the young people too. So, any professional will have one obvious question – is it worth the work? This panel’s answer is… – yes!
We’d like to use this panel discussion to showcase and talk about “What happens when you listen to and involve young people in your project, organisation, or service?”
We will hear from both organisation leaders and young people on the importance and impact of involving young people. We will talk about the benefits for young people but also the massive benefits it can offer projects, organisations, or services.
The young people on the panel talk about their own experiences and answer these important questions:
“What is it like to be meaningfully involved as a young person?”
“What is it like when you aren’t?”
Come join us and watch the conversation!
The Warren of Hull
https://www.thewarren.org/
42nd Street
http://42ndstreet.org.uk/
The Winch
https://thewinch.org/
My Life My Choice
https://www.mylifemychoice.org.uk/
About the speakers
About Claire
I’m Claire and have been working for 42nd street for nearly four years. I have always been involved in social action, campaigning and youth voice at the organisation. I feel really passionate about ensuring that young people are involved in the design of services and love hearing their ideas.
About Lydia
I have been working at The Warren for nearly 4 years now. I started as a street based outreach worker, supporting young people to access service when necessary. For the past 18 months I have been supporting young people with any campaign/social change work that we are doing here at The Warren and supporting our Young People’s Parliament, “The Thing”. I have experienced youth involvement in decision making at its absolute best over the last 4 years and I know it takes a lot of hard work and reflection to ensure that this process works to benefit both young people and The Warren as an organisation.
About Lzzy
My name is Lzzy (she/they). I have been part of The Warren since November 2015 and have been involved in many projects and groups in this time. My interests are mainly focused around military history (WW2 specifically). Also, I enjoy all sorts of music from classic Rock and Roll all the way up to stuff that was released yesterday.
My most recent project that I am proud to steer is The Warren’s Minecraft project, where we are replicating The Warren within a virtual space. I came up with this idea during lockdown as a way to still allow access to The Warren for young people in the unique circumstances we were in.
About Suraya
Coming from a criminal justice background supporting youth in North London, I encompass limitless passion and enthusiasm to educating others on the lived inequalities of varying communities through the power of research and advocating. As a Social Citizen Scientist and Peer Advocate by experience, I am on a journey to better understand the research world in adjacent to exploring elements of justice as a young person, and a BA student studying Social Work at Middlesex University. I hold mixed experiences in both fields of work, ranging from courts, youth offending and prison work on a Pan-London level, to working on a prosperity model for Euston with UCL institute for Global Prosperity. I hope to continue this line of work and delve into different avenues of work.
About Lisa
I came to MLMC straight from my BA and have been working at MLMC ever since. I came to MLMC because I wanted to support young people with learning disabilities to speak, be heard and lead on projects, campaigns and anything else they want.
For the past 18 months I have supporting our young people with campaign work and supporting out Young Champions’ Parliament and I’m thrilled that Minty and I are here to tell you more about what we’ve been up to and how you can do this with your projects.
About Minty
My name is Minty. I’ve been with My Life My Choice for about 5 years. I’ve done lots of different projects like the young person’s group and Power Up. I really enjoy art, playing with my dogs, being with my family and friends and speaking up for young people with disabilities. The most important thing to me is love, to love others, and importantly, yourself. A big thing I have been working on is mental health. It’s so important to us all and I feel that for a lot of people, it’s a very difficult topic to talk about.
Organisation
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The Resilience Lab
2021-07-27 18:30 - 19:30
workshop
The Resilience LabOff The Record, Resilience Lab delivers this interactive workshop where you will get to explore some of the pressures facing young people today and listen to ways to take the pressure off and to look after yourself. Looking at how to recognise your own strengths and how you can use these to boost your own resilience!
There’s research that suggests resilience is something you can learn, and that it can protect you from developing mental health difficulties. We think that practicing being resilient can help you to thrive through the tough times, which can’t be a bad thing! Resilience happens in different ways for different people. It’s not something that always stays the same – in some situations we might be more resilient than others.
Off The Record
https://www.otrbristol.org.uk/
About the speakers
About Helen Fairs
Hi, I’m Helen and my pronouns are she/her. I work as a Community Development Worker for Off the Record (OTR) in North Somerset. My role involves building partnerships between OTR and the various schools, youth organisations and mental health services in the area. I also help to deliver the Resilience Lab workshops.
About Kavita
Hi im Kavita and my pronouns are she/her. I work as a Social Action Coordinator and a Project Support Worker at OTR Bristol. I’ve been at OTR for a couple of years now and I have now been able to be a part of several projects such as Resilience Lab, Acts of Activism, Speakers Corner, Wellfest and Book Club. .
Organisation
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Getting Active & Making Change (Panel 1)
2021-07-27 17:00 - 18:00
Panel Discussion
Getting Active & Making Change (Panel 1)Are you looking to make a difference and create change? Are you really passionate about an issue but aren’t quite sure how to get started? Do you want to hear from other young activists to see and hear how they got involved with youth social action and changemaking campaigns?
If the answer is yes, then you’re in the right place!
Join us for a discussion with 3 young activists from across the UK. They will share their stories of how they got involved in changemaking and offer advice and top tips on how you can too!
We’ll start off by each speaker talking about their experiences and sharing the knowledge they’d like to share with you.
Newport Mind
http://www.newportmind.org/
Peer Power
http://www.peerpower.org.uk/

Northern Ireland Youth Forum
http://www.niyf.org/

ABOUT THE SPEAKERS
About Aaliyah (she/her) – Peer Power
I’m a Peer Leader and Young Campaigner in Peer Power. I’ve been working with Peer Power for two years now and have had opportunities from Peer Power to attend conferences, deliver training, coach professionals and influence system changes across NHS and more. I’ve managed to make a difference by delivering my own wellbeing workshop to a youth club and leading a campaign on improving mental health awareness and support systems in the education sector. I’m passionate about improving systems across youth justice, social care and adolescent mental health services and it’s a core part of our work at Peer Power.
About Niamh (she/her) – Northern Ireland Youth Forum
I have been involved with NIYF since 2016, and have been on their executive committee since 2018. Not only have I had the chance to be involved in a multitude of campaigns and events, while also meeting people from all across the country, but I also now know how a truly youth led organisation works. Being a part of NIYF has really helped me grow as a person in my knowledge, lobbying, researching and confidence, both in personal life and when speaking to decision makers. I’m looking forward to sharing my experiences with everyone else!
About Poppy (Wellbeing Ambassador at Newport Mind)
I have been a proud Volunteer for Newport Mind since March and it is something that I find extremely fulfilling. Being able to positively impact my community and voice my opinion while learning more about mental health support and social action is something I feel privileged to experience. The skills I have gained, and the opportunities that I’ve had, has given me the confidence to speak up and really make a difference! I look forward to meeting you all to share more details about how you, too, can get involved.
Organisations
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PEERS training launch
2021-07-27 15:00 - 16:00
workshop
PEERS training launchAre you a professional who would like to understand how to navigate conversations with young people around mental health?
Do you feel you have more to learn?
This launch event will explore the PEERS training led by Newport Mind. This training is a guide for professionals on how to navigate conversations with young people about mental health in a way that is comfortable for everyone. Our team of volunteers from ages 14-25, known as Wellbeing Ambassadors, have created this programme based on real life experiences of young people in Newport.
In this launch event you will get more information about what this training entails, as well as, why it has been created. You will also get an insight into the activities involved in PEERS training.
Newport Mind
http://www.newportmind.org/
About the speakers
About Poppy Smith
I have been a proud Volunteer for Newport Mind since March 2020 and it is something that I find extremely fulfilling. Being able to positively impact my community and voice my opinion while learning more about mental health support and social action is something I feel privileged to experience. The skills I have gained, and the opportunities that I’ve had, has given me the confidence to speak up and really make a difference!
About Ella Evans
My name is Ella, I’m am 19 and I live in Newport . I volunteer for Newport Mind and i do several things as a volunteer including things such as helping to create ideas to do with different projects that will be happening at Mind recently I was delivering peer support as well as being a part of the seasons we deliver. As well as this i am also part of fundraising in which we work to secure funding for different projects and groups that we want to run.
About Katie Massey
I’m Katie, I’m 17 years old and live in South Wales. I’ve been a volunteer at Newport Mind for almost a year. I love being able to have a day and make a difference in my community as well as improve my own mental well-being. At Newport Mind, there are loads of opportunities from bid writing to social action. A few of my favourites are delivering our PEERS training and more recently peer support sessions.
About Ellie Francis
I’m Ellie, I’m 17 and live in Monmouthshire. I have been a volunteer at Newport Mind for a couple of months and have loved getting involved with various projects as well as being able to express ideas and having a voice for young people too. So far, there have been lots of great opportunities to get involved with and there are many more to come such as our social activity group in the summer. Being a volunteer has allowed me to build my confidence, expand my knowledge on mental health support and make a difference!
Organisation
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Mental Health in Education
2021-07-27 14:00 - 14:30
PODCAST
Mental Health in Education Would you like to learn more about Mental Health in education?
You’re in the right place…
Newport Mind present a podcast looking at Mental Health in education, specifically secondary school provision for teachers. Do staff and students have the access to the resources they need now as referrals increase? Three young ambassadors talk to their peers and find out more about what is really happening in schools on the inside.
About The Speakers
About Megan
Hi I’m Megan and I’m 15 years old. I enjoy playing music and I also love doing crafts. I am a well-being ambassador at Newport Mind. As well-being ambassadors we support other young people with their mental health. I am involved in writing funding bids, campaigns and fundraising, and I am also on a youth sub group to the Board of Directors at Newport Mind.
About Benjamin
Benjamin is one of many young volunteers at Newport Mind. Their official title being the ‘Wellbeing Ambassadors’, they provide mental health and wellbeing services to young people in the Newport area by helping with mental health challenges, raising awareness, and finding ways to improve services through changemaking and governance.
Ben is also part of the Youth Voice Group, a group of Wellbeing Ambassadors that have direct communication with the Board of Directors at Newport Mind, which ensures young people have their voices heard in big changes within the service.
About Libby
Hi! I’m Libby and I’m 16 years old. I am a wellbeing ambassador at Newport Mind and I love being involved in spreading awareness of mental health and finding ways to improve the services out there! Some of my hobbies include art and playing music. I am also part of the Youth Voice group, which allows me to make change and ensure that the voices of other young people are heard.
Organisation
Other podcast episodes
AFCT Podcast LaunchJuly 26, 2021 @ 6:30 pm - 7:30 pmThe Act for Change Together Podcast platforms the experiences of young people across the UK who want to change the narrative on assumptions that have been made about them. How to engage people that disagree with you (part 1)July 26, 2021 @ 7:30 pm - 8:00 pmAward winning menstrual health charity Irise International open the Act for Change Together podcast by tackling a big question in activism - how do we engage people in our work who disagree with us?
Mental Health in EducationJuly 27, 2021 @ 2:00 pm - 2:30 pmNewport Mind present a podcast looking at Mental Health in education, specifically secondary school provision for teachers. More than a statisticJuly 28, 2021 @ 2:00 pm - 2:30 pmHeadlines about young people with lived experience of care focus on the negatives. We’re told they’re trouble-makers, don’t do well at school, live their lives on benefits and getting mixed up in crime.
Stop and SearchJuly 28, 2021 @ 6:30 pm - 7:00 pmYoung people of The Warren are joined by the head of stop and search in Hull. We work with many young people who have been through the stop and search process and feel they have been stereotyped not only because of their race but also their age, appearance and gender.
Being a Young RefugeeJuly 29, 2021 @ 2:00 pm - 2:30 pmThe Kent Refugee Action Network (KRAN) presents a podcast on the false and harmful stereotypes that refugees confront. Narrated by KRAN's Youth Ambassadors, young refugees describe their reality, made worse by common myths about who they are, and what they seek.
Being TransJuly 30, 2021 @ 2:00 pm - 2:30 pmHow would you feel if your very existence was being debated, ridiculed and judged everyday? Not just by the expected crowds, but people who you love and share community with?
Facebook Has No StandardsJuly 30, 2021 @ 4:00 pm - 4:30 pmWe share our stories of times people have assumed we’re not capable because of our disabilities, how this made us feel and how this has pushed us to become activists.
How to engage people that disagree with you (Part 2)July 31, 2021 @ 2:00 pm - 2:30 pmAward winning menstrual health charity Irise International open the Act for Change Together podcasts by tackling a big question in activism - how do we engage people in our work who disagree with us? Share This Story, Choose Your Platform!

Listen Up Manifesto Launch
2021-07-27 12:00 - 13:30
Panel Discussion
Listen Up Manifesto LaunchWe are six activism organisations joining forces across the UK to empower, platform and drive young voices for change. Young people aged between 12-25 years old have created this Manifesto and Campaign. We believe in the power of the youth. We want young people to lead the decision making and creation of the Covid-19 recovery plan to ensure young people’s needs, values and demands are met, enabling a more equity driven society to follow from the hardships of the pandemic. We are told that young people are the future, but we are ready now, in the present, to make change and be heard. We have been unfairly ridiculed, belittled and ignored for far too long. The Covid-19 pandemic has only made this more evident in the handling of each aspect of life addressed in our Manifesto. This Manifesto outlines the asks, suggestions and demands we are all proposing to the Government and change makers.
Irise
https://www.irise.org.uk/about-us/
The Warren of Hull
https://www.thewarren.org/
Comics Youth
https://comicsyouth.co.uk/
Chilypep (Children & Young People’s Empowerment Project)
https://www.chilypep.org.uk/

Northern Ireland Youth Forum
http://www.niyf.org/
Download (digital version)Download (print version)ABOUT THE SPEAKERS
About Katie (she / her) – Comics Youth Host
Katie Heyes is a young journalist, freelance writer, blogger and mental health advocate with a wealth of experience in social change making. Katie has worked on a lot of campaigns such as ‘My Body Is Not Your Business’ and our LGBTQIA+ takeover event last year. Katie has lived experience of being marginalised in a number of ways and uses these experiences to champion other people and always try to challenge people’s perspectives on things that are important to making the world more equal. Having a key role in the creation of this Manifesto has enabled Katie to use her love for writing and social change to a great use.
About Erin (she / her) – Comics Youth Panelist
Erin is a business projects and compliance analyst and part of that is running projects identifying problems with processes or IT systems and working with lots of different partners to ensure that everything runs smoothly.
Erin feels like this has helped with the campaign as she is constantly trying to think about how our campaign will affect everyone in society and what we might need to do to make sure our goal is understood by all and the processes we take are fair. The part of the campaign Erin is enjoying the most is just being in such a carefully curated safe space that she truly feels able to be herself in without any question. Erin feels it’s inspired her to want everyone to be able to feel that way all the time.
About Lizzie (she / her) – Irise International Host
Hi i’m Lizzie! I am deeply passionate about gender equality and menstrual health for all people with periods across the globe. I have been part of the Irise family since writing my MA Global Development dissertation in partnership with them back in 2018. As a member of Irise’s Empower Period Committee, I am constantly inspired by what young people can achieve when they are provided with the support and space to do so.
About Anastasia Matveeva (she / her) – Irise International Panelist
Sport and the humanities have always been my passions. I am a keen rower and have been since I was 11. But I’ve always seen that as a hobby, my real interest lies in philosophy and understanding the core values a human being holds and how we use those values to treat others. This is why Irise is such an interesting organisation to me. By using our fortunes we reallocate those values that we hold onto the people who need our help. As a strong believer that humanity is better united, it’s only comprehensive to say that together voices are better heard.
About Ravan (he/they) – The Warren Youth Project Host
Hi, I am Ravan, I’m 17 years old and decided to become a part of this manifesto to help young people, such as myself, by talking about the issues within the mental health service and the good and bad parts and ways the government can improve on them post lockdown. As we know, the pandemic hasn’t done any one any favours for their own mental health and the services within the UK have been needing improving for a while. Becoming a part of this manifesto has allowed me to express how I feel about the current protocols taken in these services and give ideas on how they can help improve their service for other young people.
About Amy (she / her) – The Warren Panelist
My name is Amy and I’m 19 years old. My favourite colour is purple and I have a cat and a hamster at home. I have recently just joined a kickstart programme at the Warren so I have gone from young person to staff member. At the Warren we have been focusing on looking into how young people have been being treated by mental health services. As a service user myself I’ve seen the effects of inadequate care on vulnerable young people and believe it is really important that this issue is raised in every way possible, and the manifesto seemed like an amazing opportunity for us to be heard. I am really excited to be involved.
About Eliza Mcaughtrie (she / her) – CHILYPEP
Hi , my name is Eliza and I’m 14 years old, I was inspired by attending climate strikes to campaign for change and I have been training with CHILYPEP as part of the Gen Z activism group. I became involved with the youth manifesto because I have always felt angry that the government refused to listen to young people even on issues that hugely affect us and our futures. Being involved in this manifesto has motivated me to pursue activism and made me feel connected to other young people who feel the same as I do.
About Jia (she / they) – CHILYPEP
My name is Jia and I am 18. I decided to become part of this campaign because I want to help create a fairer world. I feel honoured to be able to contribute to something that could have such a positive impact on young people’s lives.
About Cohen Taylor (He/Him) – NIYF Host
Hi, my name is Cohen and I live in Belfast, I am a newly elected member to the Northern Ireland Youth Forum Executive Committee. I am passionate, and believe we need to stand up and fight for equality and opportunity for all.
I am a strong advocate for Integrating our education system here in NI. I’ve had the privilege of an Integrated Education myself and I believe it is essential that we learn together to build a shared future.
About Eoin Millar (He/Him) – NIYF Panelist
HI I am Eoin Millar, I am currently studying History, Politics and Finance at my school. I am going into my second year of A-Level studies and thoroughly enjoying the content.
Through the School & Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children & Young People, I have spoken alongside and to those people of influence and decision makers to better raise the voice of young people and their issues.
I am passionate about Youth participation and representing the voice of young people to have their say and opinions heard as young people are the present and future.
Organisations
Share This Story, Choose Your Platform!

How to engage people that disagree with you (part 1)
2021-07-26 19:30 - 20:00
Podcast
How to engage people that disagree with you (Part 1) – a period perspectiveEver struggled speaking with people who disagree with you?
Want to learn how to speak with people outside your echo chamber?
Award winning menstrual health charity Irise International open the Act for Change Together podcast by tackling a big question in activism – how do we engage people in our work who disagree with us? We hear from Irise‘s young’ trustee and Empower Period Committee chair Sophie Rowson, Irise’s ‘Agent of Change’ and Empower Period Forum member Nkechi Adeboye, and Irise’s UK Projects Manager Acushla Young.
In Part 2 of this episode we will hear from the Director of Union of Justice, as well as ex Lord Mayor of Sheffield and MEP, Magid Magid.
About The Speakers
About Acushla Young
My name is Acushla Young and I am the UK Project Manager at Irise International. Irise works with girls, women and people with periods across the UK and East Africa to end period poverty and shame, and empower menstruators to reach their full potential. I first got involved with Irise as part of my Master’s course, where I worked with our incredible team in Uganda to produce project evaluation. Now I have the honour of supporting hundreds of young people to lead their communities to period freedom. I am also on the board of trustees at Girl Friendly Society, a fantastic organisation that builds girl’s confidence and ability to thrive in the UK.
About Sophie Rowson
Sophie is a researcher and menstrual equality advocate living in Sheffield. She has been part of the Irise community since 2018 having started out as a fundraising and campaigning volunteer before joining Irise’s UK Board of Trustees in 2019. She believes in the power of collective youth-led advocacy and action to create a better world in which people with periods can thrive.
About Nkechi Adeboye
Nkechi is a recent graduate of economics and software engineering with a range of volunteering experience with Sheffield based and international charity which in addition to Irise International, include FoodWorks, South Yorkshire Housing Association, Women Working Worldwide and Chayn. Interest areas of Nkechi include the role of FinTech for financial inclusion, tech policy and the role of technological advancement for the effective realisation of the Sustainable Development Goals.
Organisations
Other podcast episodes
AFCT Podcast LaunchJuly 26, 2021 @ 6:30 pm - 7:30 pmThe Act for Change Together Podcast platforms the experiences of young people across the UK who want to change the narrative on assumptions that have been made about them. How to engage people that disagree with you (part 1)July 26, 2021 @ 7:30 pm - 8:00 pmAward winning menstrual health charity Irise International open the Act for Change Together podcast by tackling a big question in activism - how do we engage people in our work who disagree with us?
Mental Health in EducationJuly 27, 2021 @ 2:00 pm - 2:30 pmNewport Mind present a podcast looking at Mental Health in education, specifically secondary school provision for teachers. More than a statisticJuly 28, 2021 @ 2:00 pm - 2:30 pmHeadlines about young people with lived experience of care focus on the negatives. We’re told they’re trouble-makers, don’t do well at school, live their lives on benefits and getting mixed up in crime.
Stop and SearchJuly 28, 2021 @ 6:30 pm - 7:00 pmYoung people of The Warren are joined by the head of stop and search in Hull. We work with many young people who have been through the stop and search process and feel they have been stereotyped not only because of their race but also their age, appearance and gender.
Being a Young RefugeeJuly 29, 2021 @ 2:00 pm - 2:30 pmThe Kent Refugee Action Network (KRAN) presents a podcast on the false and harmful stereotypes that refugees confront. Narrated by KRAN's Youth Ambassadors, young refugees describe their reality, made worse by common myths about who they are, and what they seek.
Being TransJuly 30, 2021 @ 2:00 pm - 2:30 pmHow would you feel if your very existence was being debated, ridiculed and judged everyday? Not just by the expected crowds, but people who you love and share community with?
Facebook Has No StandardsJuly 30, 2021 @ 4:00 pm - 4:30 pmWe share our stories of times people have assumed we’re not capable because of our disabilities, how this made us feel and how this has pushed us to become activists.
How to engage people that disagree with you (Part 2)July 31, 2021 @ 2:00 pm - 2:30 pmAward winning menstrual health charity Irise International open the Act for Change Together podcasts by tackling a big question in activism - how do we engage people in our work who disagree with us? Share This Story, Choose Your Platform!

AFCT Podcast Launch
2021-07-26 18:30 - 19:30
PODCAST & DISCUSSION
Act for Change Together Podcast LaunchThe Act for Change Together Podcast platforms the experiences of young people across the UK who want to change the narrative on assumptions that have been made about them.

They want to tell you that they are more than the label you have assigned to them.
They want to tell you how you can be a better ally.
They want you to have conversations with those reinforcing these stereotypes and help them change the narrative.

Hosted by Holly, one of the steering group members, The Act for Change Together Podcast Launch event brings together the voices who feature on the 8 episodes to give you snippets of their discussions as each episode features a different set of young people with unique experiences.
This event will also give you more insight into the podcast making process and the challenges they faced along the way in the hope of inspiring others to use podcasting as a tool for conversation.
VOYPIC (Voice of Young People in Care)
http://www.voypic.org/
Kent Refugee Action Network
https://kran.org.uk/
Irise
https://www.irise.org.uk/about-us/
Newport Mind
http://www.newportmind.org/
Comics Youth
https://comicsyouth.co.uk/
Grapevine Coventry (CYA)
https://www.grapevinecovandwarks.org/

The Warren of Hull
https://www.thewarren.org/
About the speakers
About Holly – Host
Holly is a member of the Act for Change Together Festival steering group following her participation in the UpRising Environmental Leadership Programme in Birmingham in 2019/2020. The Act for Change Fund has allowed Holly to stay connected to UpRising and the rest of the alumni network and continue work on her social action campaign Sustainable Water Use Birmingham.
Outside of her environmental campaigning via social media, Holly works as a Legacy and Experience Officer at Practical Action, an international development NGO.
About Martha
Hi, My name is Martha and I am 24 years old. I am a Young Leader in Voice of Young People in Care (VOYPIC). I was in kinship Care from 2003 to 2015 and then I moved into Supported living. I am currently studying my BSc Degree in Social Work in University. So far I have achieved 7 GCSEs (A-C), a Double Award A level in Health and Social Care, a HNC in Health and Social Care and a HNC in Social and community Work.
About Osama
My name is Osama, I am from Syria. I came to the UK 3 years ago as a refugee. I am a member of the British Youth Council, and sat on their steering group to represent young refugee issues. This summer, I will start a Bachelors degree at Christchurch University. I started to work for KRAN as a Youth Ambassador 18 months ago. I am also a member of the Act for Change Together Festival steering group.
About Nkechi
Nkechi is a recent graduate of economics and software engineering with a range of volunteering experience with Sheffield based and international charity which in addition to Irise International, include FoodWorks, South Yorkshire Housing Association, Women Working Worldwide and Chayn. Interest areas of Nkechi include the role of FinTech for financial inclusion, tech policy and the role of technological advancement for the effective realisation of the Sustainable Development Goals.
About Megan
Hi I’m Megan and I’m 15 years old. I enjoy playing music and I also love doing crafts. I am a Wellbeing Ambassador at Newport Mind. As Wellbeing Ambassadors we support other young people with their mental health. I am involved in writing funding bids, campaigns and fundraising, and I am also on a youth sub group to the Board of Directors at Newport Mind.
About Lucy
Lucy has worked on multiple award-winning programmes and campaigns here at Comics Youth – as well as leading on different social justice initiatives. Lucy is a keen advocate for marginalised youth and uses her complex lived experience to better inform her change making in the best ways she can. Lucy has used the opportunities granted by Act for Change Fund to engage in podcast making, campaign development, making safe space agreements and more!
About Joey (he/him) from CYA
I’m Joey, I’m 23 years old and I work for the NHS. I’m an activist and passionate about campaigning because it’s important to me that everyone has a voice. I love art and photography.
About Fenix (he/him) from The Warren
Organisations
Other podcast episodesShare This Story, Choose Your Platform!

Youth Action Participation Plan
2021-07-26 14:00 - 15:30
Watch back the Discussion & workshop
Youth Action Participation Plan Do you want to get young people more involved in your service, but feel like you don’t know how to do it?
Does it feel like a risk you don’t know how to navigate?
Listen to speakers from 42nd Street, Peer Power & BeatFreeks who collectively have years of experience in engaging young people and involving them in services and service offers at various levels within their organisations. In this session you’ll come away with a Youth Action Participation Plan (YAPP, for short) with ideas tailored to your organisation’s needs and direct actions that you can go back to your organisation and implement!
Youth Voice is a valuable tool, and we hope this workshop shows you how you can take that tool and use it for yourselves!
Peer Power
http://www.peerpower.org.uk/
42nd Street
http://42ndstreet.org.uk/

Beatfreeks
https://www.beatfreeks.com/
About the speakers
The speakers of this workshop have years of experience in engaging young people and involving them in services and service offers/provision at various levels within their organisations. In this session they will share their expertise to help develop actionable steps for you to integrate youth participation into your own organisations.
About Claire from 42nd Street
I’m Claire and have been working for 42nd street for nearly four years. I have always been involved in social action, campaigning and youth voice at the organisation. I feel really passionate about ensuring that young people are involved in the design of services and love hearing their ideas.
About Tom from Beatfreeks
As a Community Developer at Beatfreeks, Tom works to inspire young people across backgrounds, locations and disciplines to create ideas, movements, art and enterprises that improve their lives and the lives of those around them.
Tom is passionate about engaging the wider community with innovative and extraordinary activity. Through running various creative projects, he has a wealth of experience providing platforms for young people to give insight and influence, as well as the opportunity to develop their skills and influence.
About Anne-Marie from Peer Power
Anne-Marie Douglas is founder and CEO at Peer Power Youth and is a champion for lived and learned experience, love and empathy in the transformation of support services for children and young people. She has worked in participation and youth engagement for over 20 years across children’s health, social care and youth justice services in both voluntary and statutory sector roles. Anne-Marie is a Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Fellow having travelled to the USA and Canada to research the role of empathy in support services.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anne-marie-douglas-00a07718/
Twitter: @annemdouglas @peer_poweruk
Organisations
Share This Story, Choose Your Platform!Other Panel Discussion events
Importance & Impact of Youth InvolvementJuly 28, 2021 @ 12:00 pm - 1:00 pmYouth participation is a difficult cliff to traverse, and can feel hard to do in a way that meets an organisation's needs and those of the young people too.
Creating Accessible Opportunities for Young PeopleJuly 30, 2021 @ 3:00 pm - 4:00 pmDo you want to hear from young change makers and activists about their opinions on how to make opportunities accessible for young people?
