Flashback to autumn 2022, I was filled with excitement and anticipation having just joined Northern Soul as Programme Delivery Lead and we were in the final stages of recruiting the 11 inspiring individuals that would become our incredible cohort for this year’s Young Change Makers Fellowship Programme. Back then we were wowed and now, halfway through the programme, they continue to amaze me with their talent and tenacity to push for social justice, represent and advocate for their communities and platform the voices that need to be heard.
Northern Soul is in its second year of partnership with the Virgin Money Foundation and The National Lottery Community Fund to deliver the Young Change Makers Fellowship Programme. The six month programme offers up to £10,000 grant funding, mentoring and leadership development to Northerners aged 18 to 26 who are passionate about changing society for the better. As part of the programme, each Change Maker also has the opportunity to access a £5,000 bursary to cover the costs of up to a month’s travel to visit and learn from another community project similar to their own (yeah…more than a little envious of this!).
The programme is an important initiative that aligns with Northern Soul’s determination to champion Northern skills, ambition and unwavering commitment to bring about positive change. In the face of glaring regional inequalities, we nurture the unsung heroes grafting hard to forge a future where all can thrive and are on a mission to amplify the support, recognition and celebration they deserve. In addition to monthly learning days and masterclasses led by Northern Soul, each Change Maker has been paired with a mentor and team of skilled professionals at Virgin Money Foundation to help generate ideas and drive their initiative forward. It is incredibly motivating to support their development, equip and empower them with new knowledge and skills and watch their confidence flourish. I am confident that everyone working with the cohort would agree.
In a couple of weeks we have our next learning day, this time in Sheffield and focussed on Storytelling – a session I am particularly looking forward to as I get to know the group more and will no doubt build on initial feelings at the start of the programme:
“Everyone was amazing as I got to know them on a personal and professional level. I will say, when everyone was sharing their stories, that really stood out to me the most as I had the opportunity to have a glimpse of how we are all alike and that’s what makes the programme incredible. We all have a lot to learn from each other.” – feedback from one of the Change Makers following the launch of the programme.
On the days when we are all together, the room is a buzz of exciting energy; an eagerness to learn, share wisdom and encourage one another. I am impressed at their openness to be vulnerable and propel themselves out of their comfort zone. We are beyond proud of Abdul, Chelsea, Dami, Eddie, Emma, Fatima, Farhad, Finn, Lisa, Ruth and Ryan. They are in the early stages of shaping change and have already achieved so much.
It would be remiss not to give a huge shout out to the Young Change Makers Alumni Network – the Fellowship’s first cohort – who are equally brilliant and continue to drive innovative and meaningful work in their communities. It has been inspiring and insightful to have their input at some of our sessions this year and hear more about what they have gone on to do since completing the programme.
We prioritise championing the work of young people – both current and future change makers. As we expand the Young Change Makers Network and continue to grow powerful, collaborative connections across communities, we edge closer to Northern Soul’s vision for a confident and connected North that shapes its own story.
India Morgan, Programme Delivery Lead, Northern Soul
