From our flagship Young Leaders programme to bringing the sector together, our projects put young people and youth work at the heart of everything we do.
Young Leaders is Young Liverpool’s first flagship programme, helping young people build leadership skills, play an active role in their communities and shape the future of youth work.
Through mentoring, training and real-world experience, young people grow in confidence, influence change locally and explore pathways into volunteering, education and employment.
In September 2026, we officially launched Young Liverpool LCR with a celebration event at The Beatles Story Museum, at Liverpool’s Royal Albert Dock.
The evening brought together more than 120 people, including young people, youth organisations, council representatives, supporters and funders, to celebrate the impact of youth work across the Liverpool City Region and look ahead to what we can achieve together.
Hosted by two young people, Ruby O’Brien and Matthew, representing Positive Futures and Walton Youth and Community Project, the event put young people at the heart of the celebrations. Performances from Positive Impact and children from youth organisations across the city showcased the talent, creativity and potential of young people in our communities.
The launch also marked a significant milestone for the network itself. In her address, Hannah Allen, Chair of Young Liverpool, reflected on how the partnership had grown from just three member organisations to 39.
people at the launch
founding member organisations
member organisations today
“Originally, Young Liverpool had three member organisations. Today we have thirty-nine. That’s thirty-nine organisations bringing their experience, relationships and ideas to the table, and I want to thank every member who has given their time and placed their trust in what we’re building.”
That growth reflects a shared commitment across the region to strengthening youth work, building connections between organisations and ensuring young people have access to the support and opportunities they need.
Guests heard from speakers including Councillor Liz Parsons, Cabinet Member for Children’s Social Services, and Chris Arnold, Chair of Positive Futures and Founder of Made Impact, alongside voices from across the youth sector. Discussions explored the difference youth work makes to young people’s lives and how the ambitions of the National Youth Strategy can be turned into meaningful action locally.
Councillor Parsons highlighted the importance of listening to young people and ensuring their experiences influence decisions that affect their lives.
“I’m not ignorant enough to believe that, at 55 years of age, I understand what young people want from me. My responsibility is to listen, to bring your voices to decision-makers and to translate national policy into something that reflects what our young people locally want.”
— Councillor Liz Parsons, Cabinet Member for Children’s Social Services
Laura Cunliffe-Hall, Head of Policy and Public Affairs at UK Youth, also spoke about the importance of connecting young people’s lived experiences with national policymaking, recognising the role organisations like Young Liverpool can play in ensuring policy is supported by strong local delivery.
“There’s so much culture that we’ve seen tonight in the speeches from young people, and I think it inspires not just the country, but the world. I want to congratulate the young people who have shared their experiences tonight. Organisations like Young Liverpool have an essential role to play in bringing those lived experiences into the policymaking process and making sure national policy is backed up by strong local delivery.”
The importance of young people sharing their experiences was also reflected in Ruby O’Brien’s contribution. As well as co-hosting the launch, Ruby spoke about her experience travelling to New York with Positive Futures and Made Impact, and the impact it had on her confidence, skills and outlook.
“Going to New York with Positive Futures and Made Impact was honestly one of the best experiences I’ve ever had, and it’s difficult to put into words just how much it has meant to me.
“From being in rooms with incredible, inspiring people, to experiencing New York City for the first time and taking it all in, the whole experience was honestly insane. I made so many incredible connections, learnt new life skills, pushed myself outside of my comfort zone and created memories that I know I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life.”
— Ruby O’Brien, Positive Futures
Her contribution reinforced the importance of creating opportunities for young people to develop, share their perspectives and take an active role in shaping the services and communities around them.
Looking ahead, Hannah Allen outlined the priorities for Young Liverpool over the coming year, including strengthening membership, supporting the youth work workforce and developing young people’s participation.
“There is a role for everyone here, whether that is sharing expertise, opening a door, investing in an idea, or making sure a young person’s voice is heard.”
— Hannah Allen, Chair of Young Liverpool
The launch marked an important milestone for Young Liverpool LCR and the wider youth sector. By bringing organisations, practitioners and partners together, the network aims to strengthen connections across the region, champion the voices of young people and help shape a future where every young person has access to the support, opportunities and relationships they need to thrive.
This is just the beginning. Together, we can build on the incredible work already happening across the Liverpool City Region and create even greater opportunities for its young people.
Together, we’re building a stronger, more connected youth work sector that supports young people today while creating lasting change for future generations.
Whether you’re a youth organisation, community group or partner, join the Young Liverpool network and help shape the future of youth work across the Liverpool City Region.
Whether you’re a youth organisation, funder or partner, send us a message and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.
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