DJ AG & BBC Children in Need spotlight Youth Work

Written By Taylor McDonald

It started with a freestyle with DJ AG in Brixton and ended on stage in Manchester. What connected those moments? Trust, talent, and the backing of BBC Children in Need. This autumn, Spiral was honoured to be one of a few spotlighted projects in the lead-up to the BBC National Appeal Show and our young people showed exactly why that spotlight matters.

BBC Children in Need has invested in Spiral Skills for over seven years, supporting programmes that meet young people where they are:

  • Detached youth work to improve safety and more community connection in Brixton McDonald’s Makin It Programme

  • Engage programmes to improve teamwork, increased aspirations and resilience for young people in Pupil Referral Units

  • Employability support for NEET young people, supporting personal development, increased confidence and access to opportunity

This partnership made our work possible. Being spotlighted was a recognition of that shared commitment and we’re deeply grateful.

A VIP visit from DJ AG

DJ AG connected with our incredible Changemakers, Abdoul, Tafari, Angie, Jhemar, Joshua and Chloe. These young leaders play a huge role in shaping our mission to empower young Londoners through safe, supportive spaces and real opportunities to grow. The atmosphere was warm, open and full of energy. Conversations flowed about youth work, the realities young people face today and the vital role youth work plays in bridging the gap between ambition and access. A highlight of the day came when a few of our Changemakers jumped on the mic to perform their own music on DJ AG famous live stream.

From Local Spaces to National Stages

The collaboration didn’t end with the visit. A few weeks later, some of our Spiral Skills team headed to the BBC HQ in Manchester’s Media City for the BBC Children in Need National Appeal Show. It was an unforgettable experience for everyone, especially our Changemaker Abdoul, who performed live on stream with DJ AG as part of the nationwide celebration. Moments like this capture exactly why we do what we do, creating pathways from local community spaces to national stages, where young people can shine, be heard and be celebrated.

A Massive Congratulations

We want to say a huge congratulations to BBC Children in Need for raising an astonishing £45 million for young people across the UK. That’s an incredible achievement and a powerful signal of public belief in the work happening on the ground.

And to DJ AG, thank you for your generosity, your platform, and your realness with our team. You helped make these moments possible

thank you BBC Children in Need & DJ AG

Thank you for believing in our mission and giving our young people moments they’ll carry with them for years to come.

More to come – keep connected with Spiral Skills for what’s ahead.

Stay in the loop and follow us on social media:

Taylor McDonald
Next

London Youth Awards 2025 Winners!