Young Brum: Changemakers in Action
This year, with support from United by 22, we delivered some personal development programmes across South Birmingham. One of the standout projects was Young Brum: Changemakers.
Young Brum: Changemakers is a youth-led social action programme designed for older young people (KS3 and above). The aim is simple but powerful: to explore how young people can create real change, whether in their schools, colleges or local communities.
In 2024, we delivered two Changemakers programmes. One took place at Cadbury Sixth Form College, and the other at Kings Norton Girls’ School Sixth Form. Each group shaped their own sessions, co-producing the content and direction as they went. After lots of discussion, idea-pitching and fair voting, both groups chose a cause they were passionate about and set out to make a difference.
Cadbury Sixth Form: “Moods” - A Mental Health Event
The Cadbury group was deeply passionate about mental health. They recognised that while support existed within the college, many students didn’t know where to find it or how to ask for help. With the pressure of exams and big life decisions, they wanted to create something that would make mental wellbeing visible, accessible and normalised within college life.
They planned and delivered “Moods”, a mental health awareness event that offered practical support, creativity and inspiration. They invited the college's safeguarding and welfare teams to highlight what support is already in place. They also brought in Kooth, the national online mental health service for young people, to show where students can get help beyond the classroom.
The event featured:
Two creative art workshops focused on wellbeing
A sound installation and chillout zone
Guest speaker Liam Blackwood, who shared how boxing and meditation helped him manage his mental health
A yoga taster session with practitioner Kimberly Kavanagh
The event had real impact. Young people who attended said they felt heard and understood. Some of the Changemakers now plan to use the skills they gained to support future projects.
Kings Norton Girls’ Sixth Form: “Unfiltered” -Levelling Up the Future
At Kings Norton Girls’, the Changemakers group also chose to organise an event. Drawing on their own experiences, they felt that existing careers support didn’t reflect the reality of the modern world. There was little mention of social media, video interviews or digital-first careers.
So, they created “Unfiltered”, a future-focused event that explored careers, personal branding and practical planning in a creative and engaging way. To open it up to more young people, they hosted it at Stirchley Baths community space. This meant the event was accessible to those beyond their school.
The event included:
Top Trumps-style career cards, helping attendees explore strengths and career paths
Goal setting sheets, designed to make planning the future feel manageable
A talk and interactive session with Belinda Kaur, a mentor and marketing expert, who spoke about personal branding and networking
LOGO Me, a fun and creative activity where attendees designed a personal brand logo
Career Pong, a playful twist on beer pong, where participants answered career-related questions
Live jazz keyboard from a talented young musician, creating a relaxed and welcoming vibe
Once again, the young people led the way. The result was a unique, relevant and inspiring event that left attendees feeling seen and supported.
Looking Ahead
We are so proud of what the Changemakers have created this year. Their ideas, energy and leadership have been a driving force behind two standout projects that tackled big issues in creative, youth-led ways.
At InUnity, we will continue to work with schools, community groups and colleges to deliver the Young Brum: Changemakers programme. If you’d like to bring Changemakers to your space, get in touch with carli@inunityuk.org.