The #iWill Movement

On Friday, we headed to Blackpool for the premiere of Pier to Peer: A Seaside Sisterhood—a true celebration of resilience, connection, and passion for change on the Fylde Coast. Filmmaker Sufia Sadullah brilliantly captured the complex love these young women share for their hometown, along with their frustrations and aspirations for a more equitable future. It was a powerful screening that had the audience in tears, as many local women of all generations identified so profoundly with the story and were moved by the group’s authenticity and determination. We were joined by MP Lorraine Beavers, who offered great words of encouragement to the young women, and by Volunteering Matters CEO Amanda Naylor OBE, who’s quickly becoming a regular visitor to the Fylde! A huge thanks to Deborah, Jake, and especially to the remarkable young women of United Youth Alliance, who opened up to make this film a deeply personal insight into life on the coast. If you missed it, don’t worry—an online premiere is coming up on 19th November as part of #iWillWeek. Full listings are available on our website 🔗 https://lnkd.in/e5Fhm5ea

#iWillWeek 2024 is just around the corner! From 18th to 22nd November, we’ll be showcasing the powerful change young people are leading across the UK through social action. This year’s theme, #StillWeRise, celebrates the resilience of young people in facing challenges and driving forward social and environmental change. In Blackpool, we’re kicking things off tonight with a special film screening of Pier to Peer: A Seaside Sisterhood. Created by young women from the United Youth Alliance and directed by Sufia Sadullah, this documentary dives into their journey of youth activism, friendship, and love for Blackpool and the Fylde. This screening is a perfect warm-up to #iWillWeek, where we’ll continue to platform voices like those of the United Youth Alliance group in Blackpool, highlighting the stories and successes of young people shaping their communities. Who will you spotlight this #iWillWeek? Discover how you can get involved, including how to attend tonight's event, through our website! 🔗 https://lnkd.in/eAN8PuXx

📣 TOMORROW! Join us in Blackpool for the premiere of Pier to Peer: A Seaside Sisterhood! Filmed by Sufia Sadullah and the young women of United Youth Alliance over summer 2024, we're so excited to premiere this short documentary showcasing the journey of young women driving change in their hometown of Blackpool, as part of the Blackpool Film Festival line-up! Through personal archives, workshops, and conversations, this film explores youth activism, friendship, and the complexities of loving the places we call home. After the screening, stick around for a live Q&A with the cast and filmmakers to dive deeper into the making of the film and the impact of youth-led social action in Blackpool and the Fylde. 🔗 Details and tickets can be found here: https://lnkd.in/ev8y5Xk7 Volunteering Matters UK Youth Deborah Terras (she/her) Blackpool Transport Services Limited Blackpool Sixth

As we approach the end of #BlackHistoryMonth, #iWill Ambassador Troy has shared some insight into his experience as a Black young person with SEND. Here is "Reclaiming my Narrative as a Black Young Person", by Troy Njenje Mbanga 👇 "As a Black young person with SEND, fitting in has never been easy. My culture, my faith as a Christian, and my identity often make me feel different. I used to believe I wouldn’t have the same opportunities as everyone else or that my voice wouldn’t be heard. But I am who I am, and nobody should be able to tell me I’m not good enough. Our voices are equal, and we shouldn’t be judged by the colour of our skin. Growing up, especially at school, I felt like an outsider. Navigating mental health as a Black young person has been a journey, too. This year, with all the riots, I even felt scared to go out, to see the world or my friends. I wasn’t sure it was safe. Some days, I question if I’m good enough because of how people see me here. But I’m also proud of who I am. I’ve learned how important it is to talk about mental health, to share feelings instead of bottling them up. When I keep it all inside, I sometimes explode, and I know I’m not alone in that. People often want to put me and others into boxes just because we’re different. But we are all unique, and that shouldn’t matter—backgrounds, heritage, and all. My mum came here from Zimbabwe when she was young. She’s always stayed true to herself, never letting others define her. Her example reminds me to just be me, to celebrate being Black and to honour my heritage. I want the government to include more Black history—not just in October, but all year long in lessons that teach why Black history and culture are so unique and important. It would be great to see Black History Month celebrated with different events and in our schools, alongside other cultural festivals. I’m proud to be Black, proud to champion youth voice, SEND inclusion, and proud of where I come from. It’s part of me, and as a young person of colour, my voice matters."

#iWillWeek 2024 is almost here! From 18th to 22nd November, we’ll be spotlighting the positive impact young people are making in communities across the UK through social action. This year’s theme, #StillWeRise, honours the resilience of youth standing up to challenges and driving change. We often say "your story is your superpower"—and this #iWill Week, we’re excited to spotlight #iWill Ambassadors driving change on the ground. Like in Ipswich, where young leaders working in partnership with local organisations and the Ipswich Social Mobility Alliance, are inspiring real commitments to youth-led change through meaningful community conversations. Who will you spotlight this #iWillWeek? Find out how to join in on our website! 🔗 https://lnkd.in/eAN8PuXx

Join us on 1st November for the premiere of Pier to Peer: A Seaside Sisterhood! Filmed by Sufia Sadullah and the young women of United Youth Alliance over summer 2024, we're so excited to premiere this short documentary showcasing the journey of young women driving change in their hometown of Blackpool, as part of the Blackpool Film Festival line-up! Through personal archives, workshops, and conversations, this film explores youth activism, friendship, and the complexities of loving the places we call home. After the screening, stick around for a live Q&A with the cast and filmmakers to dive deeper into the making of the film and the impact of youth-led social action in Blackpool and the Fylde. 🔗 Details and tickets can be found here: https://lnkd.in/ev8y5Xk7 Volunteering Matters UK Youth Deborah Terras (she/her) Blackpool Transport Services Limited Blackpool Sixth

"Black excellence promotes a sense of collective success; when one of us triumphs, it feels as though we all do." #iWill Ambassador Angel A. has shared her perspective on navigating the expectations and pressures that come with Black identity in this latest blog for #BlackHistoryMonth. An award-winning young activist, Angel explores the balance between cultural pride, creative gift, and the weight of societal pressure. Read more here 🔗 https://lnkd.in/eGjEEJCC

#iWill Week 2024 is coming soon! From 18th to 22nd November, we’ll celebrate the incredible impact young people are making across the UK through social action. This year’s theme, #StillWeRise, showcases the determination and resilience of youth rising against challenges to create positive change. Throughout the week, #iWill Ambassadors will lead conversations on key issues affecting young people, including their right to shape our democracy. Each day will feature unique sub-themes, exploring topics from navigating social media to defying stereotypes. 👉 Full events listings and ways to get involved can be found on our website 🔗 https://lnkd.in/eAN8PuXx

So excited to have Olivia Clarke from Young Manchester and My Life My Say leading a mini democracy café as part of our upcoming Politics and Poetry event 🙌 Tickets are moving fast so make sure to grab yours now 🔗 https://lnkd.in/e4JWRWRR

Join us on 1st November for the premiere of Pier to Peer: A Seaside Sisterhood! Filmed by Sufia Sadullah and the young women of United Youth Alliance over summer 2024, we're so excited to premiere this short documentary showcasing the journey of young women driving change in their hometown of Blackpool, as part of the Blackpool Film Festival line-up! Through personal archives, workshops, and conversations, this film explores youth activism, friendship, and the complexities of loving the places we call home. After the screening, stick around for a live Q&A with the cast and filmmakers to dive deeper into the making of the film and the impact of youth-led social action in Blackpool and the Fylde. 🔗 Details and tickets can be found here: https://lnkd.in/ev8y5Xk7 Volunteering Matters United Youth Alliance UK Youth Deborah Terras