Spark Awards for Big Changemakers
We’re thrilled to welcome six Spark Award Changemakers!
The young changemakers will receive funding and support to turn their ideas into action.
The award includes up to £40,000 in pilot funding, along with a 12-month, tailored learning and development programme worth £10,000 in partnership with The Young Foundation. Along with:
- Coaching for personal growth and to develop leadership skills.
- Joining our community of changemakers.
- Growing in confidence as they build on their ideas for social change.
- Exploring their imagination, discovering new skills, and having fun.
Exciting times ahead!
Young people call for big change
of young people are hopeful about their generation’s ability to address community issues with the right support.
feel they receive “not that much” or no support at all, highlighting a perceived gap in guidance, resources and understanding.
of young people feel that a lack of funding is one of the main barriers holding them back from trying to make a difference.
of young people say that they need better access to mental health and emotional support
of young people want more say in decisions shaping their future.
of young people in the survey had either actively taken steps to improve their community or wanted to but didn’t know where to start, in the previous 12 months.
Our latest YouGov survey of 1,355 UK adults aged 16-28 shows that with the right support young people could make a positive difference in their communities.
Support for young people:
- Only 31% of young people feel they receive the support they need to make a difference.
- 59% feel they receive “not that much” or no support at all, highlighting a perceived gap in guidance, resources and understanding.
The barriers young people face when trying to make a difference:
The top challenges reported include:
- Lack of funding: 59%
- Not knowing where to start: 59%
- Lack of confidence: 52%
- Lack of motivation: 48%
- Limited access to decision-makers: 34%
Yet with the right support young people believe there is hope for a better future:
- Despite barriers, 60% of young people are very or somewhat hopeful about their generation’s ability to address community issues.
- With only 30% reporting they are not very or not at all hopeful.
What young people need to thrive:
Young people report they need better mental health support, a say in the decisions that shape their future, a fairer education system, and stronger community connections. It is clear from our research that they are ready to step up and tackle the challenges they face, but they need guidance, resources, and opportunities to do so.
- 55% say that they need better access to mental health and emotional support:
- 54% want more say in decisions shaping their future
- 50% want to see an end to the one size fits all education system
- And 52% looking for stronger community support and trusted relationships
In the past 12 months 47% of those asked had either actively taken steps to improve their community or wanted to but didn’t know where to start. This shows that with the right support young people are ready to step forward and tackle the challenges they face.
- 21% actively took steps to improve their community or make a positive difference.
- 26% wanted to take action but didn’t know where to start.
- 20% did not take any action.
- 9% tried but were not successful
- 8% were unable to act for other reasons.
Our findings highlight the fact that young people in the UK are keen to tackle the challenges in their communities but they face significant barriers. These include a lack of resources, guidance, and the right systems around them. Despite this, the majority remain hopeful that with the right support and opportunities they would create meaningful change.
* All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. The total sample size was 1.355 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 26th August – 1st September 2025. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all UK adults.
Big love & thanks to our partners who have made these Awards possible.
