Late in April I had the incredible opportunity to attend Youth-Led Change Day in Birmingham. The conference was delivered by Blagrave Trust in partnership with a number of inspiring organisations, including Young Gamechangers Fund, Global Fund for Children, Paul Hamlyn Foundation, Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, The National Lottery Community Fund and The Tudor Trust.
Thanks to Blagrave’s sponsorship, I was able to spend the weekend in Birmingham, connecting with an inspiring community of young changemakers from across the country.
The day began with networking and icebreakers, which quickly turned into meaningful conversations. I had the chance to connect with a wide range of organisations and charities, as well as young people who have founded their own initiatives. Each conversation left me feeling inspired and more confident. It was particularly powerful to hear the lived experiences behind many of these organisations - stories that have driven young people to create real, tangible change in their communities.
Throughout the day, there were also a number of engaging workshops, including sessions on strategic planning for social justice, wellbeing and collective care, project management (“Getting Sh*t Done”), and Fundraising 101. These workshops not only provided practical tools, but also deepened my understanding of what it takes to sustain impactful, youth-led work. I found myself reflecting on how these insights could strengthen both my current role and my broader ambitions within policy and advocacy.
In addition to the workshops, we were treated to a range of performances and keynote speeches, including musical and spoken word pieces that brought creativity and emotion into the space. These moments were a powerful reminder of the role storytelling plays in social justice work - something that strongly resonates with my own interests in creative expression and advocacy.
The day concluded with a “Funder’s Table”, which was a valuable opportunity to put faces to the names of funders we have worked with previously. It also allowed me to build new connections and strengthen existing relationships with organisations in the sector.
Overall, I left Youth-Led Change Day feeling energised, inspired, and more grounded in my purpose and ambitions in law and social justice. It was a timely reminder that young people are not just future leaders - they are already driving meaningful change. Being in that space has further developed my knowledge, strengthened my confidence, and reaffirmed my commitment to contributing to a more just and equitable society.
Thank you to Blagrave Trust for sponsoring my attendance.