Artburst: free activities for kids

Young people changing the world

Each year we work with hundreds of young people to create positive change – developing their skills whilst improving communities across London and beyond.

Young Leaders Young people come up with an idea for a project, campaign or event that they think will benefit their peers or their community. We help them to make these ideas a reality with a £500 grant, professional partnerships and access to community venues. Last year we worked with our Young Leaders on a range of projects, from accessing creative careers and improving digital skills, to tackling domestic violence in our communities and more.

Young Ambassadors Young Ambassadors are trained to represent young people and their wider community, building their skills in communication, collaboration and developing ideas for change. Last year we worked with young people in Islington, Lambeth and Newham to develop their leadership and communication skills. They also learnt how pitch for grants to deliver solutions to community challenges.

Peabody Advisors Peabody Advisors complete a Level 3 training qualification to develop skills in peer mentoring, research and design thinking. Our advisors have been working with teams at Peabody to find new ways to engage our younger residents.

Want to become a Peabody Advisor?

Our next programme starts in January 2022. It’ll be 10 two hour sessions all run online. So if you’re 18 to 25 years old and would like to build your skills in mentoring, research, public speaking and developing solutions, we’d love to hear from you. Please email: Young.People@peabody.org.uk Maryam Chowdhury 23 years old

“I completed the Young Leaders programme earlier this year which really empowered me to voice my thoughts and opinions. So much so that I ended up creating a mentorship scheme connecting young workingclass BIPOC people with professionals across London.

I later completed the Peabody Young Ambassador programme which meant that I could access funding for a mural project that I led in Tower Hamlets. The mural was a way to recognise the had hard work of the people who work in the NHS, especially during the pandemic. I led 15 other young people to design and paint the mural that celebrates the 200 nationalities of the NHS. More than 100 community members have visited the mural as well as the mayor of Tower Hamlets.

If you’re thinking about joining any of the programmes I’d say go for it – I can’t recommend them enough!” Loren 21 years old

“After signing up to the Peabody Young Leaders programme I decided to focus my social action project on mentoring and supporting other young people. By that point I had already built up a wide network and great relationships with lots of youth organisations so was able to signpost my mentees to local services.

One of my mentees was a young person who was really struggling to find a job. Together we worked on her job hunting approach, CV and cover letter. When she next applied for her next job she got it the following week! I was just so happy for her. It felt amazing to help someone and was absolutely a highlight of the project for me.

I gained a Level 2 qualification in Project Management as part of the Young Leaders programme as well as a Level 3 qualification after joining the Peabody Advisors programme. I've gained a lot of independence, confidence and trust in myself. I now know what I'm good at and this has helped me to figure out what to do next. Now I’m set on a career in HR and leadership and I’ve already got my first job in HR.”