The Unheard voices programme is a 6-month employability and life skills programme for young people in lambeth aged 16-30.

Programme overview

If you’re 18-25 and care about making a difference, this is your launchpad. Over 12 months, you’ll develop the skills, confidence, and connections to lead change (through youth work placements), shape the system (through advocacy, policy, and campaigning), and sustain yourself (with enterprise, branding and income-building tools). You’ll train with expert organisations, launch your own social impact project, and join a network of young leaders who are building careers with purpose, all while getting paid London Living Wage.

⭐ WHO IS IT FOR?

Changemakers is for you if you are…

💥 from South London and ready to make waves in your community

🎓 Just finishing sixth form or college, or starting out in your career looking for opportunities to grow

🔥 Passionate about youth work, community organising, campaigning or running your own thing

🧠 Self-motivated and ready to put time into your future

💪 Looking for paid opportunities to grow your skills, network and confidence

🚀 Why Get Involved?

Step into a journey where your voice matters, your ideas become action, and your growth is supported every step of the way.

🎯 Become a skilled youth practitioner ready to lead in your community

Attend training from expert organisations in youth work, conflict resolution, trauma-informed practice, and mental health first aid.

📸 Design and develop your own social action project, campaign, or enterprise.

Gain the skills you need to kickstart your career in the community. We’ll support you to shape it, test it, and make it real.

💸 Get paid

You’ll get paid to train and for delivering impactful sessions in schools and the community (all paid at London Living Wage)

📈 Build essential skills

From teamwork and public speaking to leadership and project delivery

🤝 Join an incredible support network

Connect with other inspiring young people, mentors, and partners across Lambeth

⏱️ What’s the commitment?

🕔 Monthly evening sessions (5:00–7:30pm)
📅 Holiday intensives (October, Spring, Easter, Summer)
🔥 Termly 2 day training, kicking off in January 2026
🏫 Paid delivery in schools and local community projects, 1 or 2 half days a week
🎉 Team-building socials, celebration events, and residentials
📝 Clear expectations, paid contracts, and professional standards

All applicants must be available to attend a launch event on Wednesday 10th December from 5:30 - 7:30pm in Tulse Hill.

Programme Outline

From building strong foundations to shaping policy and enterprise, this programme takes you on a journey from fundamentals to influence, giving you the skills, confidence, and networks to drive real change in your community.

The first quarter begins with a kick-off social, a youth work practice bootcamp, and professional headshots with brand-building basics.
In the second quarter, you’ll dive into conflict resolution, trauma-informed practice, CBT skills, regular supervision, and social prescribing.
In the final quarter, you’ll develop campaigns, take part in media training, engage with policy and deepen your advocacy skills
In the third quarter, you’ll focus on social enterprise piloting, financial management, project planning, and using AI for efficiency.

The Impact You’ll Make 💫

Support hundreds of local young people through school and community delivery

💥 Create safe learning environments, improve wellbeing, and increase opportunities for young people in Lambeth

💥 Lead visible social projects and campaigns that give young people a stronger voice

💥 Influence policy, practice, and investment by bringing lived experience to the table

💥 Contribute to a growing network of young leaders reshaping their communities

How to apply

Eligibility Criteria: South London-based, 18–25, ready to commit to training and delivery.
Access: We actively welcome applications from disabled and neurodivergent people. If you require any adjustments to take part in the application process or programme, just let us know we’re committed to making this opportunity accessible to everyone.

Please complete this application form, and record a video (maximum 2-minutes) answering:

1. Why do you want to be a Changemaker?
2. What community issue matters most to you and why?
3. Can you tell us about a time you’ve been involved in a community project or social action or share an idea you’d love to bring to life to create change?

There are no right or wrong answers, just be yourself!