STUDENT LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE

A group of secondary schools in Bolton approached Youth Leads UK to deliver workshops to their learners at the Bolton Student Leadership Conference. The conference brought together student leaders from 16 secondary schools across Bolton, with over 150 participants engaging in sessions designed to inspire youth-led change. The student leaders came together to present the actions they will be implementing to make their school spaces safer for young people. Youth Leads UK’s workshops added to the conference, and the learners left feeling more equipped to step into leadership positions and tackle youth issues with more confidence.

Community Maps

Through a community mapping activity, young leaders discovered the power of social action. Youth Leads UK staff encouraged them to outline what they feel could be different in their communities, as well as what they feel positively about. The activity laid the groundwork for students to begin shaping their own social action ideas, which were then developed further through interactive exercises in the second half of the session.

Participants agreed that public transport was very useful and worked well for young people, specifically mentioning the ‘Our Pass’ initiative. Conversely, they mentioned the lack of youth-friendly spaces and events, and used a problem tree to outline potential solutions, such as working collaboratively with youth networks and organisations to make those a reality.

Workshops Delivered

150+

Student Participants

Secondary Schools Represented

Youth Leads UK facilitators

Standing Debate

Young people participated in a standing debate activity, moving across the room to signify their opinions on several topics related to social action. They shared their thoughts and opinions on topics such as the power of social media when advocating for change. Many young leaders agreed that it was a powerful tool and that they would consider using platforms such as Instagram and TikTok in their campaigning to target their peers.

Young people’s preconceived notions of social action were also challenged; many young people did not realise that large sums of money aren’t necessary to make a difference, and that their voice is enough. The session not only filled young leaders’ knowledge gaps, but it also highlighted the importance and strength of youth voice to make a change.

Several students noted that the debate helped them realise they already had the tools to lead change, confidence, curiosity, and community insight.

100% of staff said:

Students enjoyed the interactive elements and felt inspired by guest speakers

Impact

The workshops empowered young people to use their voice and lead social action initiatives with confidence. Participants not only developed technical skills but also gained a deeper understanding of the potential impact they can have, simply by sharing their opinions and volunteering in their community.

Many young leaders shared that the workshops helped them feel more confident and inspired, ready to tackle issues in their community with ambition.

Students commented that before the event, they would have never got hold of a microphone and shared their ideas with a large room of their peers. Their presentation to the room was also a first for several.