This International Youth Day, we are celebrating Young People leading the way
11 August 2026
This International Youth Day, We’re Celebrating Young People Leading the Way
Across the UK, young people are driving change in their communities, from vibrant towns to bustling cities and coastal hubs. Our Towns & Cities of Social Action initiative brings together local organisations, leaders and youth voices to create connected ecosystems where social action thrives, building places that value, support and celebrate young people as powerful agents of change.
This International Youth Day, we’re taking a moment to look at where that change is happening, and the people behind it.
Gloucester
In Gloucester, MP Alex McIntyre has joined an ever-growing movement by signing the Power of Youth Charter, adding his name alongside fellow MPs Stuart McMillan, Darren Millar and Jack Abbott, who are all backing their towns and cities as Places of Social Action.
The momentum in Gloucester doesn’t stop there. Venture Community Hub has also launched its Good2go bags, designed by #iWill Ambassadors and NHS Young Influencers and filled with snacks, drinks and fruit, now available at youth clubs across the area.
Thetford
Across the UK in Thetford, we were honoured to attend Thetford Town Council’s Civic Reception, celebrating the inauguration of Mayor Vic Peters. The Council’s commitment to becoming a Town of Social Action speaks to a wider dedication to creating opportunities for young people across the community.
Ipswich
Over in Ipswich, Sizewell C has officially made young people a priority by signing the Power of Youth Charter. As CEO Nigel put it:
“I’m excited we’ve signed up to the Power of Youth Charter. Our team already does a great job in supporting and listening to young people. By signing the Charter and establishing new commitments, we’re formalising the opportunity to deliver even more youth social action.”
There’s been plenty more to celebrate in Ipswich too. #iWill Ambassadors Tabbie, Cass, Darrel, Elyot and Quinn recently facilitated our Public Health Hack for 200 young people, held in partnership with Suffolk County Council and hosted at Ipswich Borough Council‘s event space. It was brilliant to see so many young people engaging with public health challenges and having their voices heard in shaping solutions for their community.
Newcastle
Meanwhile in Newcastle, around 40 young people took part in a hack empowered by John Downes and StreetGames UK, working alongside local young people and Better trampoline park to explore what truly inclusive access to leisure centres could look like. Ideas ranged from tackling barriers linked to body image, location and affordability, to reimagining spaces for different moods and sensory needs, with suggestions including free bus travel with leisure centre memberships and dedicated energy zones offering different levels of stimulation.
It’s all part of Newcastle’s wider journey as a City of Social Action, where partners including StreetGames UK, NE Youth, Youth Focus North East, Children North East and Newcastle City Council Youth Services are helping bring key National Youth Strategy priorities to life, ensuring young people are seen and heard in shaping the places they go and the things they do.
Brighton & Hove
Down on the south coast, we’re working alongside Brighton & Hove City Youth Council on a Social Media Response Hack, inviting young people from across the city to join a conversation about life after the social media ban. It’s a chance to make sure young voices sit at the heart of conversations about the future of social media and digital wellbeing.
If you’d like to be part of it, the hack takes place on Thursday 13th August, 12pm–2pm, at the New 67 Centre, Brighton, BN2 4PB.
