Young Voices Lead the Way

For too long, young people have been invited into community conversations only at the very end—after decisions are made. So we flipped the script.

In 2023, a group of young people in Plymouth took the lead as community researchers. They explored what isolation looks like in their lives, what belonging means, and what spaces they feel are really theirs.

“It’s about understanding our city from our point of view,” one young researcher shared. “Not being told, but being asked.”

They designed the questions. They shaped the conversations. And what they found led to something bigger: a youth-led documentary, made in collaboration with Fotonow.

This wasn’t just an exercise—it was an experience. From storyboarding and filming to interviewing and editing, the process helped turn insight into art. One participant reflected, “We didn’t know if anyone would listen. But they did. And now it’s out there.”

The premiere at Everyman Theatre was a red carpet moment—not just for the film, but for youth voice itself. And it didn’t stop there. The group went on to share their work with MPs at Westminster.

We’re not here to 'give' young people a voice. They already have one. Our role is to create the platforms—and get out of the way.