A groundbreaking £8 million Youth Social Action Programme is revolutionizing how young people across the UK create positive change in their communities, with 130 projects now empowering children and teenagers to lead solutions to problems they care about most. The collaborative initiative between BBC Children in Need, the #iWill Fund, and The Hunter Foundation places young people at the absolute center of project development, allowing them to use their voices and lived experiences to tackle issues ranging from local environmental concerns to social justice challenges. Rather than being passive recipients of adult-led programs, these young changemakers are designing, implementing, and leading their own solutions to problems they see in their neighborhoods and schools.
The program specifically focuses on youth aged 18 and under, with special welcome for projects involving younger children, recognizing that age should never be a barrier to making a meaningful impact. Through dedicated development phases, young participants build both the confidence and practical skills needed to drive real social change while organizations learn to share power authentically with their youngest community members. From Ipswich to Blackpool and beyond, these young leaders are proving that when given the opportunity, support, and trust they deserve, children and teenagers can create lasting, positive transformation that benefits entire communities. The initiative represents a fundamental shift in recognizing young people not as future leaders, but as the capable, innovative changemakers they already are today.