#iWill is a movement comprised of over 1000 organisations and 700 young #iwill Ambassadors & Changemakers from across the UK. They are united by a shared belief that all children and young people should be supported and empowered to make a positive difference on the issues that affect their lives, their communities, and broader society. #iWill is empowering, challenging, independent, collaborative and inclusive – it belongs to everybody. The #iWill movement is powered by young people and organisations. The #iWill Ambassadors and #iWill Changemakers, alongside organisations who sign up to the Power of Youth Charter, help ensure meaningful action is taken to support more children and young people to be active citizens. The #iWill Partnership is made up of leaders of collective action groups working within and across sections and nations of the UK to guide the #iWill movement. The independent #iWill Coordination Hub, hosted by Volunteering Matters and UK Youth, supports the #iWill Partnership, #iWill Ambassadors and broader #iWill movement.

How was #iWill formed?

In 2012, the Prime Minister asked Dame Julia Cleverdon and Amanda Jordan OBE to review how to increase the quality and quantity of youth social action. After a wide-ranging consultation their report highlighted the barriers to youth social action and produced a set of recommendations. Barriers included a shortage of activities in education from 10 upwards; confusion in the education and business sectors about the kind of initiatives they could support; failure to promote and inspire young people to take part; and an absence of a coherent vision to promote a culture of youth social action. The recommendations were to create an easy to navigate “service journey” for young people; scale up programmes to fill gaps in provision; embed social action in young people’s educational experience (school, further and higher education); develop a culture of promoting and celebrating youth social action comparable to effective programmes run in other countries around the world. The review concluded that an initiative uniting organisations and the public should be set up to increase opportunities for young people. This initiative should be time limited, add to existing activity, and be a research and advocacy body, not one running programmes itself. This initiative is #iWill, it has cross-party support and comprises over 1000 organisations and 700 young people. It was coordinated by the charity Step Up To Serve between 2013 and 2020. It has now grown into a self-organising movement and from 2021 key support functions are delivered by Volunteering Matters and UK Youth. <a href="https://iwill.org.uk/future-of-iwill" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Find out more </a>about this transition and how it happened.

How does #iWill work?

The #iWill Movement’s collective action is guided by the <a href="https://iwill.org.uk/about-us/about-iwill-campaign" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#iWill Partnership</a> – a cross-sector, UK-wide collaborative group made up of funders, young people and the co-chairs of nation and sector groups that meets quarterly. Sectors and nations within the UK have established self-organising groups that meeting regularly and exist to drive progress toward the #iWill vision within their respective nations/ sectors. The Co-Chairs of each of these groups (one young person, one organisation representative) also hold a seat on the #iWill Partnership Board. The key support functions for #iWill, such as the communications and the running of the #iWill Ambassador and Changemaker network are delivered by a consortium made up of two UK charities: Volunteering Matters and UK Youth. These charities were chosen following a 3-month competitive process in 2020, after Step Up To Serve – the charity that originally coordinated the #iWill campaign – closed down as planned at the end of 2020.

How are young people involved in #iWill?

The campaign is represented by 300 young #iWill Ambassadors. They come from a variety of backgrounds across the UK, but all have one thing in common – a passion to make positive social or environmental change. They have played a powerful role in championing youth social action and shaping the direction and activities of #iWill. #iWill Changemakers were launched in autumn 2019, in order to give a wider cohort of young people who are passionate about youth social action ways to support #iWill. We work with our #iWill Ambassadors and Changemakers in various ways. They help to shape the campaign’s strategy, spread the message about youth social action and encourage organisations to get involved.

What is the #iWill Fund and can I apply for funding?

<a href="https://iwill.org.uk/about-us/iwillfund" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Visit our page on the #iWillFund</a>.

How is #iWill funded?

Progress towards the #iWill vision is resourced by the organisations that are a part of the movement at their own discretion. A number of youth social action projects are also funded by the #iWill Fund in partnership with 25 Match Funders. Volunteering Matters and UK Youth host an independent #iWill Coordination Hub. You can find out how Volunteering Matters and UK Youth are funded on their respective websites or through the Charity Commission.

How can I get in contact with #iWill?

Get in touch via the #iWill social media channels: @iwill_campaign or by emailing <a href="mailto:iwill@volunteeringmatter.org.uk" target="_blank" rel="noopener">iwill@volunteeringmatter.org.uk</a>. If you are an #iWill Ambassador or Changemaker you can speak directly to the team supporting this network at <a href="mailto:iwill@ukyouth.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">iwill@ukyouth.org</a>

Amplifying Youth Voice Through Podcasting: #iwill Ambassadors Lead the Way

30 May 2025

At the #iwill Movement, we believe in the power of youth voice and that when young people speak up, they can lead meaningful and lasting change. One powerful way our ambassadors and youth workers are making their voices heard is through podcasting.

In the lead-up to Power of Youth Day, we’re shining a light on the inspiring work of our ambassadors who are part of or connected to the Be the change. Media Network – the only podcast network in the world entirely dedicated to amplifying the voices of young people. This international collective of young storytellers, changemakers, and activists spans countries including the UK, USA, Canada, India, Uganda, Rwanda, and Zimbabwe.

Through video, audio, written, and live content, Be the change. educates, empowers, and inspires. Their mission is simple but bold: to use youth-led media to create a more equitable, informed, and empathetic world. Many of our #iwill ambassadors are part of this network or are working independently, using podcasting as a platform to challenge injustice, spark conversations, and tell real stories that reflect their lived experiences.

Whether it’s exploring global politics, youth mental health, inclusion in sport, or LGBTQ+ rights – these podcasts demonstrate the incredible range of passion and talent within our movement. They are honest, powerful, and often unfiltered, just like youth voice should be.

Below, we’re proud to feature some of the #iwill Ambassadors and youth workers creating podcasts. You’ll hear about what inspired them, which episodes they love, and what they hope listeners take away from their work.

Be The Change Media Network

Lily – Be the change. Podcast

I’m Lily (she/her), and I’m the host of Be the change. Podcast and the founding director of Be the change. Media Network. On June 1, 2020, I finished up my workday at Congressman Joe Neguse’s (CO-02) office in Washington, DC and took off running down Independence Avenue. Finally reaching Lafayette Square Park, I pulled out my phone and began to record the Black Lives Matter protest unfolding before me. I spent the next seven hours at the protest, at one point being tear-gassed and fired on by police with rubber bullets. After I got back to my apartment at 1am, I decided to record my experience on my phone as an audio note. The next day, I published that note as the first episode (linked below) in what has since turned into a weekly podcast called Be the change.

While I used this first episode of my podcast to recount my experience and educate my friends and family about what was happening at the protests they’d seen on the news, the podcast quickly evolved to feature the stories of young activists, advocates, and changemakers around the country who are leading movements toward change. Since I had never conducted an interview, used audio editing software, or created graphic design content before, I leaned heavily on Google how-to’s and Amazon reviews. Nonetheless, within the first few weeks of June, I had ordered recording equipment, designed an Instagram page, and used Audacity to publish four 20-minute episodes.

Now, more than four years later, I’ve published over 250 episodes featuring guests from 35 countries. Guests on the podcast have discussed a range of issues from local political controversies to international crises like climate change and mental health awareness.

What’s Your Favourite Podcast Episode?

My favourite episode of Be the change. Podcast so far has been my latest anniversary episode that I created to celebrate four years of Be the change. Podcast. Creating these compilation episodes to celebrate Be the change. Podcast each year has allowed me to reflect on how many young changemakers’ voices I’ve been able to amplify and the community I’ve been able to create through storytelling. Be the change. Podcast will be turning five years old this June, so I’ll be creating a new anniversary episode to air on June 4th. I have a feeling the five-year anniversary episode might be my new favourite in a few weeks!

Listen here.

Which episode would you recommend to a first-time listener?

I would recommend my latest episode with Lucy Brodure to a first-time listener. I had a great time talking with Lucy and sharing her inspirational story, so I would definitely recommend that episode for people to get a vibe of what the podcast is like and to hear Lucy’s incredible changemaking journey so far.

Listen here.

Eden – Sports For All

I’m Eden (she/her), I’m 21 years old and from Belfast, Northern Ireland. I’ve been an #iwill ambassador since 2023. My youth social action journey has been rooted in education, and in promoting both physical and mental health. I’ve been active in this space since June 2021, focusing on inclusion and breaking down barriers to opportunities – particularly in sports.

My podcast is called Sports For All. It’s all about encouraging young people to get involved in sport, no matter their background. The show explores diversity, accessibility, and the structural barriers that too often prevent young people from getting involved in sports. We aim to spotlight voices and stories that deserve to be heard, and help young people feel like they belong.

What’s Your Favourite Podcast Episode?

It’s tough to choose a favourite episode – I’ve had so many amazing guests from places like Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, South America, and the UK, as well as more local voices from Northern Ireland and Ireland. It’s been fascinating to hear their unique journeys and the common challenges they’ve faced. I’ve also been lucky to have a number of fellow #iwill ambassadors join the show – shoutout to Henry, Leah, Beth, Elodie and Layla – all of whom are doing incredible work in and outside of the sporting world to drive real change.

Which episode would you recommend to a first-time listener?

For a first-time listener, I’d recommend starting with my introduction episode — where I talk about why I started Sports For All, what the podcast stands for, and share a bit about my own sports journey. It’s a great place to get a sense of the podcast’s heart and purpose.

Listen here.

Lucy – The Imperfect Activist

I’m Lucy (she/her), I am 24 years old from Liège, Belgium and I currently work at UK Youth for the #iwill Movement as a Youth Development Coordinator. My passion for activism is in gender equality in sports, international children’s rights and human rights, as well as mental health in young people.

My podcast is called « The Imperfect Activist » which I co-host with Natasha and Annabelle, both incredible human beings! We talk about youth activism on different spectrum and how young people care about these issues whether it is mental helath, world conflicts, job markets,… Our first season is filled with subjects until November 2025. What makes our podcast unique is that we share our point of view on young people and have no filter, calling out the elephant in the room, as well as offering different perspectives on the world, given that I was brought up in Belgium, Natasha in the UK, and Annabelle in Canada.

What’s Your Favourite Podcast Episode?

My favourite episode would be the one we just launched on the 23rd May, it is our second episode which is entitled “What is going on in the world ?” it englobes our perspectives of international conflicts and politics, and making our young voices being heard in those spaces which is really important.

Listen here.

Which episode would you recommend to a first-time listener?

The episode I would recommend as a first-time listener would be our first episode, as it was our first time doing a podcast together, with us being on two different continents. We learned things about each other, but we also saw that we bring different things and expertise to the table for our podcast. We blend all three well together and you can hear our passion in what we do. You get to know us!

Listen here.

Troy – The Forgotten Generation

I’m Troy (he/him), an #iwill ambassador from Wakefield, West Yorkshire. My youth social action is all about SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) and inclusion. I’ve

been advocating for young people locally and nationally through various youth voice groups, because I believe young people should be at the heart of decisions that affect them – especially when it comes to accessibility, inclusion, and representation.

My podcast is called The Forgotten Generation. It’s a space for young people and inspiring changemakers to talk about the issues that matter to them, share their journeys, and amplify their voices. What makes this podcast unique is that it also features mini-series hosted and produced by other young people – including Youth Voices, hosted by fellow #iwill ambassador Skye Morgan and co-host Tricia Walker, which focuses on LGBTQ+ experiences and advocacy.

What’s Your Favourite Podcast Episode?

Every single one as all of them are different and brings different perspectives and voices and it tells the journey’s where the young people started and now to empower others to have a voice and take a stand on what’s important to them and tell decision makers the really issues. If I had to pick one it would be the National Youth Strategy special as it brought young people’s views and opinions together to really connect other young people and the journey’s there on to inspire the next generation of young people as we the leaders of now and changemakers who want to create change to help others .

Listen Here.

Which episode would you recommend to a first-time listener?

The episode I would recommend to a new listener is the very first one – a conversation with Eden Byrne, another incredible #iwill Ambassador and fellow podcast host. That episode really sets the tone for the series: it’s honest, passionate, and shows what this podcast is all about – giving young people a platform to share their stories and drive change. Since that first episode, we’ve grown into our second season and continue to follow and celebrate the journeys of youth activists everywhere.

Listen here.

Hannah – No Longer Legally Detained

“When the world broke me, I responded with music, dance, and stories.”

I’m Hannah – a creative activist who blends my love of creativity and social change into everything I do. I’m a passionate advocate for neurodivergence, mental health, inclusivity, and young people, and I channel that energy into my work as an artist, actor, musician, dancer, and facilitator. Creativity gives me a voice, a way to express myself on my terms, and a space to heal.

My podcast, No Longer Legally Detained, grew out of my lived experience and personal journey. In 2019, while detained under Section 3 of the Mental Health Act, a fellow patient encouraged me to start sharing my story. That moment planted the seed for what would become a powerful platform for reflection, growth, and advocacy.

The podcast explores life after psychiatric hospitalisation, navigating adulthood as a neurodivergent person, and finding identity beyond systems and diagnoses. It’s about what comes after survival—the messy, unfiltered reality of healing and living authentically.

What’s Your Favourite thing about your Podcast?

My favourite thing about the podcast is that it’s honest. It doesn’t promise perfect answers, but instead offers poetic rambles, journal prompts, and radical honesty about trauma, recovery, and reclaiming your story. Some episodes are solo, others will feature guests with lived experience, but all of them aim to be a voice for those still figuring things out—just like I am.

Which episode would you recommend to a first-time listener?

If you’re new to No Longer Legally Detained, I’d recommend starting with the introduction episode. It shares the heart behind the podcast and why storytelling, creativity, and activism are so intertwined in my life.

Listen here.

This is not a podcast that promises easy answers or polished narratives. It’s for the ones still figuring it out. It’s for the ones who made it through – even if just barely. It’s for you.

https://www.legallydetained.co.uk/

Skye – Youth Voices

Hello! I am Skye Morgan, co-host of the Youth Voices series on The Forgotten Generation Podcast alongside my friend Tricia Walker. I am 17 years old (almost 18!) and I use they/them pronouns!

Youth Voices is a series that aims to amplify and platform young LGBTQ+ people and inspire them to share their story and create a safe space for people to not just listen but feel heard. We also bring on decision makers to discuss LGBTQ+ policies, opportunities and other amazing things for young people!

What’s Your Favourite Podcast Episode?

My favourite episode is the third one where Mhairi Crawford, CEO of LGBT Youth Scotland kindly came on to discuss LGBT Youth Scotland, their services, a little about her experience as CEO and the Supreme Court ruling. It was absolutely amazing to have Mhairi on, and she was so lovely as always!

Which episode would you recommend to a first-time listener?

An episode I’d recommend to a first-time listener would probably be our introduction episode, I feel like we encompassed so much of our personality into it and really set the groundwork for the rest of the series.