ChangeMakers

ChangeMakers is an initiative to give 11-16 year olds a platform to make the changes that they’d like to see in their community. What change do you want to see?

Our next cohort starts on Tuesday 21st April 2026, running weekly from 4:00–5:30PM at YMCA Newark & Sherwood.

Ready to get involved? Join us and be part of something that matters.

Become a Partner Become a ChangeMaker

YOUNG IDEAS WANTED!

Together with other young people, ChangeMakers create and implement community action projects to make a real difference. You could choose to work on projects such as:

Equality and social justice

Environment and sustainability

Local safety

Youth wellbeing and support

Cultural exchange

Projects are youth-led, but are supported by partners from across the Developmental Assets project in and around Newark. You’ll be helped by staff and volunteers during weekly sessions to make your ideas real and put change into action.

Too shy? No experience? Never done anything like this before?

ChangeMakers is for you.

ChangeMakers are open to young people of all backgrounds, beliefs, experiences, ideas, personalities and cultures.

Young people can apply themselves, and we also encourage teachers, youth workers and caregivers to encourage young people who may not usually engage in extra-curricular activities to apply and have their voices heard.

Our cohort is now full! Register your interest and we’ll be in touch when the next cohort starts.

What’s involved?

Step 1: Hearing Your Youth Voice

This first interactive sessions are all about you, and how young people feel about growing up in and around Newark. Together your cohort will identify what’s most important and start thinking about how you might be able to influence change.

Step 2: Skills Workshops

You’ll be invited to sessions that help you learn things and support your community action project. Skills workshops could include leadership skills, teamwork, branding, design and problem-solving.

Step 3: Community Action Projects

Over a 8-week project, you will design and deliver a unique project that’s linked to the issue your group agreed on. You’ll work together as you help each other to drive action in your community. A team of staff, volunteers and partners will be on hand to help – but ultimately, the decisions are in your hands.

Step 4: ChangeMaker Celebration

At the end of the project, we’ll reflect on the fantastic work you’ve done for your community with a ChangeMaker Celebration event.

Coming Soon: Youth Advisory Board

Once the programme ends, ChangeMakers can choose to stay involved by joining the Youth Advisory Board.

This group gives young people a platform to represent their peers across Newark, share their voices, and play an active role in shaping community projects and decisions.

Become a ChangeMaker Now!

Become a Partner

Who we work with:

Kindly funded by: