Amplify Us

Episode DescriptionWelcome to the Intergenerational Changemaking Podcast, acollaboration between The Advocacy Academy, InCommon, and Amplify Us. In this episode, participants reflect on How to Make Change — a 10-month pilot programme bringing together young people, community organisers, and their older neighbours in Brixton to share skills, experiences, and visions for the future.Recorded at the Liberation Centre in Brixton, the discussionexplores the power of intergenerational spaces, the role of community organising, and the importance of creating “third spaces” where people of all ages can connect, learn, and act together.In This EpisodeWhat happens when you intentionally create space fordifferent generations to come together to create change? In this episode young people, community organisers, and older neighbours share experiences from the How to Make Change series. Together they reflect on the joys, challenges, and lessons of intergenerational work — from moments of solidarity over dinner tables to navigating conflict and resolution with care at its core, and from the importance of listening across generations to the shared hope of buildingmore inclusive futures.Key Topics DiscussedIntergenerational Organising: How young and older people can learn from one another.Third Spaces: Why places like the Liberation Centre matter for connection, trust, and action.Community Power: Turning shared anger and frustration into collective organising.Learning Together: The “Oops and Ouch” method for navigating conflict with care.Hope Across Generations: How imagination, memory, and lived experience shape changemaking.Why You Should Listen?Authentic Voices: Hear directly from participants of all ages reflect on what they gained from intergenerational dialogue.Practical Lessons: Learn about tools and practices for creating safer, more inclusive community spaces.Inspiration for Change: Discover how partnerships across generations can spark hope, connection, and collective action in times of uncertainty.About the PodcastThe Intergenerational Changemaking Podcast is published by Amplify Us, a platform that empowers young people and communities through storytelling and dialogue. Produced in collaboration with The Advocacy Academy and InCommon, this episode highlights the transformative power of intergenerational organising — proving that the custodians of memory and the agents of imagination need each other to create meaningful change.

In this special feature episode, Tamsin at Amplify Us is joined by her daughter Eloise and two of her friends, Ollie and Luke, for a raw and real conversation about our relationship with smartphones—and what happens when you walk away from them.Eloise shares her journey of ditching her smartphone and how it’s changed everything from her anxiety levels to her sense of connection and creativity. Ollie and Luke offer their own perspectives, including the pressures of being online as a young creative, navigating uni life without a phone, and how phones are now inescapably tied to work, identity, and even friendships.We talk about:How social media warps reality—and self-esteemThe myth of productivity and phonesLosing (and reclaiming) our attention spansWhat music, maps, and memory loss have in commonHow it feels to really be bored againWhy giving up your phone—even for a week—might change your lifeIf you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, over-connected, or just plain tired of your screen, this one’s for you.🎧 Try this: Give your phone to a friend for a week and see what happens. Really. You might be surprised.

In collaboration with Become and Amplify Us, this episode dives into the real experiences of young people leaving the care system—and what needs to change to support them better.  Hosts Humerah and Roselyn are joined by fellow campaigners Georgia, G, Kane & Charlotte, who share powerful stories of navigating housing insecurity, pursuing education, and facing systemic barriers—all while advocating for a more supportive transition out of care.  We also hear from Jo Petty, Campaigns and Participation Manager at Become, who explains the goals of the #EndTheCareCliff campaign. The campaign calls for: A fully funded opt-out system for Staying Put and Staying Close up to age 25 Legal changes to homelessness legislation, including exempting care leavers from local area connection rules and intentionality assessments Guaranteed access to rent deposit schemes and guarantors from local authorities  From policy wins—like commitments to end the local area connection test—to the personal victories of reclaiming voice and agency, this episode is a must-listen for anyone who cares about equity, youth rights, and the power of lived experience. Key Topics Discussed The Care Cliff: What it means to suddenly lose support at 18 Housing & Homelessness: Why care leavers face unique challenges securing safe, stable accommodation Policy & Campaigning: Demands for Staying Put, Staying Close, and legal reform Guarantor Inequality: How financial independence is weaponised against care leavers Trauma and Self-Discovery: Using lived experience as a platform for advocacy National vs Local Offers: The postcode lottery of care support Hope & Community: How campaigning builds strength, identity, and solidarity  Why You Should Listen Unfiltered Realities: Hear directly from care leavers on how systems fail—and how they fight back. Inspiring Resilience: Discover how young people turn hardship into power and policy change. Fuel for Change: Whether you’re in care, work in policy, or want to better support young people, this episode will deepen your understanding and spark action.  Support the podcast: Like, share, and follow to help raise underrepresented voices and make lasting change.  Further information and Resources Become is the national charity that’s here to support every child and young person with experience of the care system. They tell us what’s not working. Together, we fight to make change happen.  Our work with care-experienced young people gives them the  support and stability they need to smash their goals. But it’s equally important we keep pushing, to change the system altogether.  We raise awareness of the problems in the care system, and we campaign for change. Our work has resulted in some improvements  for care-experienced young people. But there’s so much more to  be done.  We amplify young people’s voices so the public – and people in  power – can see the real problems. Then, together, we show them  what the system could look like. To learn more, visit becomecharity.org.uk  Our Care Advice Service is here to support you during your  time in care, and after you’ve left care  Call: 0800 023 2033 Email: [email protected]  Whatsapp us on 0786 003 4982  Amplify Us empowers and raises the voices of young people and those from underrepresented communities through podcasting and other creative platforms. Through engaging in our workshops and producing content, participants develop skills and confidence and create peer and community networks. 

In this special episode of Amplify Us, we’re joined by Kismet, Vee and Li, three care-experienced young women involved with The Verbatim Formula – a powerful project founded by Maggie Inchley and Sylvan Baker. Together, they explore how creativity, storytelling, and community help shape new ways of thinking about experiences of care. The conversation dives into personal stories of empowerment, the importance of safe spaces, and the role of the arts in challenging societal perceptions. Through poetry, performance, and advocacy, our guests share how creative expression offers a space for connection, healing, and real change. 🎧 In this episode: The power of storytelling through verbatim performance Why safe, supportive spaces matter Creative expression as a means of reclaiming identity Using lived experience to influence policy and understanding Thanks to Devantai for the music and to People's Palace Projects and Queen Mary's University and the rest of the TVF team: Benjamin Treloar, Claudius Hettori-Kwosah, Darcey Williamson, Devantai Page, Eileenamina, Iliane Rodrigues, Imran Quayes, Isabelle Kirkham, Kismet Meyon, Magali Hochberg, Maggie Inchley, Sylvan Baker, Victoria Odude.   @maggieInchley @darceybw @spongeebooobb @k.i.z.z.i @iqvisuals_ @queenv_no.1 @benjamintreloar @djpxprod  🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. 🔗 Links: The Verbatim Formula – National Theatre Coram Voice The Foundling Museum Raphael’s Room (@raphaelsroom) • Instagram photos and videos https://peoplespalaceprojects.org.uk/en/

SummaryThe Netflix drama Adolescence has sparked discussion — but one group has been noticeably missing from the conversation: young peoplethemselves. This conversation explores the critical need for young voices in discussions about adolescence, particularly in the context of the drama 'Adolescence'. The participants, Tamsin Clements (Founder of Amplify Us) hosts and talks to Ethan and Joshua (co-hosts of the podcast, The Conversation Cabinet) and their friend, Sophia, share their emotional reactions to the film, discuss the causes of insecurity and violence among youth, and emphasise the importance of reforming PSHE education. They advocate for creating safe spaces for young people to express their feelings and the necessity of open communication between peers and adults. The conversation also touches on the responsibilities of social media companies and the need for better understanding between generations.Takeaways Young voices are essential in discussions about adolescence.The emotional impact of media can resonate deeply with viewers.Insecurity and self-hatred can lead to dangerous behaviors.PSHE education needs to be more relevant and comprehensive.Creating safe spaces for young people is crucial for their well-being.Open communication can prevent destructive behaviours among youth.Policymakers should prioritise youth mental health in education.Intergenerational dialogue is necessary to bridge understanding gaps.Social media companies must take responsibility for their impact on youth.The normalisation of male aggression needs to be addressed in society.Keywords adolescence, youth voices, mental health, PSHE education, social media, safe spaces, communication, violence against women, emotional well-being, intergenerational dialogue

Welcome to the Seeds of Change Podcast, a powerful conversation exploring advocacy, gentrification, and community through the lived experiences of young activists. Produced in collaboration with The Advocacy Academy (TAA) and Amplify Us, this episode delves into the impact of gentrification on local identity, the significance of third spaces, and the role of youth empowerment in driving social change.In This Episode Join a group of passionate young activists as they share their motivations for engaging in advocacy, reflect on the transformation of their communities, and discuss the challenges posed by gentrification—particularly in Brixton. Through insightful discussion and personal storytelling, they explore how local businesses, cultural heritage, and collective action shape the future of communities. Key Topics Discussed Advocacy and Social Change: How young people can channel their energy into activism. Gentrification: A Double-Edged Sword? Examining the benefits and challenges of urban transformation. The Importance of Third Spaces: Why community spaces matter for connection and identity. Local Businesses and Cultural Heritage: How consumer choices impact the survival of independent traders. Empathy and Collective Action: Bridging generational gaps and fostering sustainable community development. Legacy and Community Identity: The lasting impact of displacement and cultural change. Why You Should Listen Authentic Voices: Hear directly from young activists about the realities of gentrification and advocacy. Thought-Provoking Discussions: Gain a deeper understanding of how change affects communities on a personal level. Empowerment Through Dialogue: Learn how collective action and local engagement can help shape a more inclusive future. About the Podcast The Seeds of Change Podcast is part of Amplify Us, a platform that empowers young people through podcasting workshops in schools and organisations. This initiative provides a space for young voices to share their stories, challenge social issues, and inspire action. In collaboration with The Advocacy Academy, this episode highlights the importance of youth-led advocacy in shaping the communities of tomorrow. 

Welcome to the Amplify Us Young Changemakers Podcast, dedicated to highlighting the incredible contributions of young people making a positive, lasting impact in their communities and around the world. In each episode, we amplify the voices of young changemakers who are reimagining solutions to global challenges and building a better, more sustainable, and equitable future for all.  In This Episode:  Join lived-experienced host Toni-Ann Gurdon as she speaks with Sarah Kittoe, a 12-year-old author and philanthropist who has already published four books since the age of seven. Sarah’s journey began with a desire to see more diverse representation in literature, and evolved into a passion to make real-world change. Through her books, Sarah is raising funds for important initiatives such as the Homeless Kit Project and her library projects in Ghana, where she is creating learning spaces for young people in need.  In this episode, Sarah shares her journey, discusses the importance of representation, and explains how young people can use their voices to become changemakers in their own communities and beyond.  Topics Discussed:  The Power of Representation in Children’s Literature:  Sarah talks about her motivation for becoming an author and how the lack of diversity in books inspired her to write stories that reflect a variety of experiences, helping children feel seen and heard.  The Friendship Club and Other Stories:  Sarah dives into the themes of her first book, The Friendship Club and Other Stories, which focuses on friendship, family, and inspiring others to become changemakers. The book was inspired by Sarah’s own experience in school, where she created a friendship club to help new students feel welcome.  Philanthropy Through Books:  Sarah explains how she uses the sales of her books and her SuperPak initiative to fundraise for projects that make a difference, including the Homeless Kit project and her library refurbishments in Ghana.  Transforming Education with Library Projects in Ghana:  Sarah discusses her impactful work in Ghana, where she refurbished school libraries and introduced e-libraries to improve access to education. She shares how libraries played a pivotal role in her own life, motivating her to give back and create change.  Empowering Young People to Write and Become Changemakers:  Sarah provides valuable advice to young aspiring authors and changemakers, encouraging them to take action, believe in their potential, and make a difference in their communities and the world.  Looking to the Future:  Sarah shares her exciting plans for the future, including the launch of her own foundation to support more philanthropic projects and her upcoming fifth book, set to release next year.  Why You Should Listen:  Gain inspiration from Sarah’s journey as a young author and philanthropist making a real-world impact.  Learn how young people can use their voices and talents to create change, with a focus on youth representation in books and philanthropy.  Be inspired by Sarah’s passion for community-driven change and her commitment to raising awareness for global causes such as homelessness and education.  Resources Mentioned:  Sarah’s books: The Friendship Club and Other Stories, Lindsay and the Blue Fox, Emma and the Lost Key (available now)  www.sarahkittoe.co.uk Amplify Us CIC Website: www.amplify-us.org  About the Podcast:  The Amplify Us Young Changemakers Podcast is dedicated to amplifying the voices of young people shaping the future of our world, showcasing their innovative solutions and efforts to create a more inclusive, sustainable world.  Connect with Us:  Stay connected with Amplify Us CIC for more inspiring stories from young changemakers:  LinkedIn: Amplify Us CIC LinkedIn  Instagram: @AmplifyUsCIC  Facebook: Amplify Us CIC Facebook  Join the conversation by using #AmplifyUsChangemakers on social media and share your thoughts!  Listen now to be inspired by the changemakers shaping tomorrow! 

Welcome to the Amplify Us Young Changemakers Podcast, the platform where we showcase the incredible contributions of young people to creating a better, more sustainable, and equitable world. In each episode, we amplify the voices of youth who are reimagining solutions and reshaping our future.  In This Episode:  Join host Ben as he talks with Bella Lack, an environmental activist and author, whose work in youth environmental activism has made waves globally. Bella has been campaigning for environmental change since the age of 12, focusing on urgent issues like biodiversity protection, climate change advocacy, and creating opportunities for youth to engage in sustainable solutions.  Bella shares her inspiring journey, discussing the importance of empowering young people to take meaningful action and build a future that embraces the creativity and possibility of environmental solutions.  Topics Discussed:  1 - The Power of Young Voices in Environmental Advocacy:  Bella explains how young people bring clarity, urgency, and creativity to discussions on issues like climate change and biodiversity loss, inspiring action and demanding attention from policymakers and communities.  2 - The Value of Learning Through Action:   Reflecting on her early activism around palm oil, Bella emphasises the importance of adapting, learning, and growing as a changemaker, even when initial ideas need to evolve.  3 - Rewilding and Imagining a Wilder Future:  Bella discusses her passion for rewilding desolate areas and embracing nature-based solutions in agriculture, emphasising the transformative impact these efforts can have on the environment and society.  4 - Building Community Through Advocacy:   Drawing on her experiences with Reserva Youth Land Trust, Bella highlights the sense of belonging and energy that comes from working with like-minded individuals in the fight for biodiversity protection.  5 - Maintaining Momentum in Youth Movements:   Bella reflects on the challenges of sustaining enthusiasm in youth climate change activism and discusses the need for avenues that allow young people to participate meaningfully in decision-making processes.  Why You Should Listen?:  Gain insights into the unique power of youth voices in tackling climate change and biodiversity loss.  Learn about the importance of creating sustainable solutions that prioritise both immediate action and long-term vision.  Be inspired by Bella's journey of resilience, adaptability, and collaboration in addressing some of the world’s most pressing environmental issues.  Discover how organisations like Reserva Youth Land Trust are empowering young people to protect the planet.  About the Podcast:  The Amplify Us Young Changemakers Podcast is dedicated to amplifying the voices of young leaders shaping the future. Each episode explores the causes that matter most to youth today, highlighting their innovative approaches to building a more sustainable, inclusive, and just world.  Connect with Us:   Follow Amplify Us CIC on social media to stay updated:  LinkedIn: Amplify Us CIC LinkedIn  Instagram: @AmplifyUsCIC  Facebook: Amplify Us CIC Facebook Reserva - The Youth Land Trust https://reservaylt.org/ Bella Lack's book - The Children of the Anthropocene Penguin Books Amazon Join the conversation using #AmplifyUsChangemakers and share your thoughts!  Listen now and be inspired by the changemakers shaping tomorrow! 

Welcome to the Amplify Us: Young Changemakers Podcast, a platform dedicated to showcasing the powerful impact young people are making in their communities and beyond. In each episode, we amplify the voices of those challenging the status quo and driving meaningful change.   In This Episode:   In this episode Ben speaks with Jo Petty from Become Charity and care –experienced young person, Louise about the importance of empowering young people, particularly those with care experience. They discuss the challenges faced by young people in the care system, the impact of co-produced campaigns aimed at creating change, and the need for better support systems as they transition into adulthood. The conversation highlights the significance of advocacy, community support, and the collective effort to ensure that young people's experiences are heard and valued.  Topics Discussed:   Empowering young voices through advocacy: The discussion highlights the importance of amplifying the voices of young people, especially those with care experience, to implement systemic changes. Louise's journey reflects how advocacy helps individuals gain confidence and bring attention to issues like the relocation of children in care.  The "Gone Too Far" Campaign: advocating for proximity in care placements: This campaign addresses the harmful impact of moving children far from their familiar environments. Jo Petty explains how pushing for transparency and better policies, the campaign seeks to prioritise children's well-being in care decisions.  Overcoming the "Care Cliff" - supporting transitions to adulthood: Ben & Louise discuss the abrupt loss of support for care-experienced individuals as they transition into adulthood. They propose extending support systems beyond age thresholds to ensure smoother transitions into independent living.  The role of co-production in effective advocacy: Co-production, where those affected are actively involved in shaping solutions, is emphasised as key to creating meaningful change. Louise shares how being part of such processes enhanced her confidence and sense of agency.  Vision for systemic change - building bridges in the care community: Ben & Louise dream of a world where communities unite to eliminate trauma and suffering. They emphasise forming connections between care providers and recipients to create a more supportive and inclusive system.  Our host Ben, a neurodivergent second-generation immigrant from the Philippines, brings his unique perspective to the conversation. His experiences in the care system, along with his artistic practice, deeply influence his work in raising awareness and creating positive change. A strong advocate for the creative arts as a tool for recovery and mental health awareness, Ben uses spoken word and poetry to inspire and uplift others.   Why You Should Listen:   Hear firsthand accounts from care-experienced individuals like Louise, offering unique insights into the challenges faced within the care system.  Learn about impactful initiatives like the "Gone Too Far" campaign, which advocates for better care placement policies to protect and empower young people.  Gain a deeper understanding of systemic issues such as the "Care Cliff" and the need for extended support for care leavers transitioning into adulthood.  Discover how young changemakers are using their experiences to influence policy, inspire others, and drive positive transformation in the care system.  About the Podcast:   The Amplify Us Young Changemakers Podcast is committed to giving young people a platform to share their stories, passions, and motivations. In every episode, we explore the causes that matter to young people today and highlight how they are leading the charge for a better, more inclusive world.   Connect with Us:   Follow Amplify Us on @amplify.us.cic   www.amplify-us.org   Join the conversation using #AmplifyUsChangemakers   Listen now and be inspired by the changemakers of tomorrow! 

Amplify Us presents the Chestnut Grove Young Reel Podcast Welcome to The Young Reel Podcast, a unique podcast created by students at Chestnut Grove Academy during a dynamic five-week podcasting workshop with Amplify Us. In this thought-provoking episode, film and media students explore whether cinema is truly in decline, specifically among younger audiences. In This Episode: Join Bea, Isla, Milo, Thomas, and Laura, talented film and media students from Chestnut Grove Academy, as they delve into the growing concern about cinema’s place in the lives of young people. Through engaging interviews, vox pops, and lively discussions, they take you on a journey of exploring cinema from a youth perspective.  Key Topics Discussed:  Franchises, Remakes, and Legacy Films: How dominant are reboots and sequels in today’s cinema landscape?  The Decline of Teen and Coming-of-Age Films: What happened to stories for young audiences in theatres?  The Move to Streaming Services: Is the rise of streaming platforms reshaping film consumption habits?  Atomisation of Films and Social Media Marketing: How does social media influence movie marketing and audience engagement?  Young People, Attention Spans, and Narrative Form: Are young viewers losing interest in traditional storytelling?  Why You Should Listen?:  Authentic Voices: Hear directly from young people about their views on the future of cinema.  Insightful and Thoughtful Discussions: Get a fresh perspective on how cinema is evolving in the digital age.  Co-Creation and Student Empowerment: This episode was co-produced by the students, giving you a unique and genuine look at their thoughts on the subject.  About the Podcast: The Young Reel Podcast is part of Amplify Us, a platform that empowers young people by offering podcasting workshops in schools and organisations. These workshops enable students to develop vital skills, express their thoughts, and create engaging podcast episodes on topics that matter most to them. Amplify Us gives young creators the agency to discuss their passions, share stories, and shape their narratives. 

Welcome to the Amplify Us Young Changemakers Podcast, a platform dedicated to showcasing the incredible impact young people are making in their communities and beyond. Each episode, we amplify the voices of young people challenging the status quo and creating meaningful change.  In This Episode:  In our very first episode, host Ben sits down with Ciara Alleyne, Membership and Inclusion Officer for the Young Greens, the official youth wing of the Green Party of England and Wales. Ciara, a third-year BSc Politics student at the London School of Economics (LSE), shares her insights on the power of young voices in politics, the importance of social mobility, and how young people can drive change. As an individual from a traditionally underrepresented background, Ciara is passionate about social justice, empowering marginalised groups, and the intersectionality of political issues.  Topics Discussed:  The Absence of Young Voices in Mainstream Politics: Ciara and Ben discuss the lack of representation for young people in politics and why it’s essential to address this gap.  Political Apathy Amongst Young People: They explore the challenges of political apathy and the importance of young people mobilising to create the change they want to see.  Youth Empowerment in Politics: Ciara highlights how young people bring fresh perspectives and energy to politics, stressing the need for youth involvement in decision-making processes.  Social Justice and Social Mobility: Ciara’s dedication to empowering marginalised communities through politics and how young changemakers can influence these movements.  Ben, a neurodivergent second-generation immigrant from the Philippines, brings his unique perspective to the conversation. His experiences in the care system, along with his artistic practice, deeply influence his work in raising awareness and creating positive change. A strong advocate for the creative arts as a tool for recovery and mental health awareness, Ben uses spoken word and poetry to inspire and uplift others.  Why You Should Listen:  Gain insights into the challenges and opportunities facing young people in politics.  Learn about the importance of social justice, inclusion, and empowering marginalised voices.  Discover how youth activism is reshaping political landscapes and driving social change.  Be inspired by Ciara’s journey and her passion for creating a more equitable and inclusive society.  About the Podcast:  The Amplify Us Young Changemakers Podcast is committed to giving young people a platform to share their stories, passions, and motivations. In every episode, we explore the causes that matter to young people today and highlight how they are leading the charge for a better, more inclusive world.  Connect with Us:  Follow Amplify Us on @amplify.us.cic www.amplify-us.org Join the conversation using #AmplifyUsChangemakers  Listen now and be inspired by the changemakers of tomorrow!