7 October 2025
“I’m glad I had an opportunity to be listened to and regarded as an equal amongst professionals and stakeholders.” – Kaiden, #iWill Ambassador
On Wednesday 24th September, more than 40 organisations and individuals gathered at Blackpool Sixth Form College to demonstrate their shared commitment to strengthening youth voice across the region.
The event was co-hosted by three inspiring #iWill Ambassadors – Ella, Kaiden and Tamar – who set the tone for the day with their leadership and insight. Attendees also heard from keynote speakers Amanda Naylor (CEO, Volunteering Matters) and Deborah Terras (CEO, United Youth Alliance), alongside a guest panel featuring Lynn Saggerson (Blackpool Volunteers), Brett Whitehead (AFC Fylde), and Kristen Cunliffe (Director, Redstar Education).
As the first Youth Alliance gathering, the event had a clear purpose: to strengthen existing social action across the region and unite efforts towards a bold ambition – making Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre the UK’s first Coast of Social Action.
Attendees heard from Amanda Naylor, who spoke passionately about the importance of youth voice, and Deborah Terras, who highlighted the value of prioritising youth social action across the Fylde Coast.
One of the highlights of the event was a Q&A led by #iWill Ambassadors Ella, Kaiden and Tamar, who asked the panel how they have advocated for youth voice since signing the Power of Youth Charter, and invited them to share the ways they provide young people with a platform and a seat at the table.
These powerful questions encouraged panellists – and the wider audience – to reflect deeply on how they currently engage with young people and where they could do more. Many left the discussion not only inspired but also motivated to re-evaluate their approaches and commit to embedding youth voice at the heart of their organisations.
The event also provided a valuable networking space, bringing together dedicated individuals and organisations working with young people across Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre. The room was full of energy, passion, and a shared determination to ensure that young people are heard, valued, and empowered to shape their communities.
As Kristen Cunliffe emphasised during the discussion, “The young people of Blackpool need to know that this town has their back!” – a powerful reminder of the community’s responsibility to support and empower its youth.
The event closed with a strong show of support when Ambassador Ella asked: “Those of you who are going to sign the Power of Youth Charter after today – stand up!” In response, the entire audience rose to their feet.
Looking ahead, the next step for Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre is to establish the region’s first Community of Practice – a space to share learning, shape future plans, and work collaboratively to champion the area as the UK’s first Coast of Social Action.
Thank you to Blackpool Sixth Form for hosting us! If you are interested in signing up to the Power of Youth charter, find out more here.
