Wolsey PlaceChangers
Young People Leading Change: Stepping into Real-World Roles Through Youth Voice and Social Action
Building on the success of the Wolsey Workplace Encounters programme, our Wolsey PlaceChangers initiative gives young people (ages 14+) the opportunity to step into active, creative, and youth-led roles within their community.
🛠️ Exploring Real-World Roles
Since launching in 2023, young volunteers have showcased their talents and strengthened their connection to place by taking the lead on projects as:
- 🎨 Street artists
- 🎤 Broadcasters
- 📷 Community photographers
- 📝 Marketing Executives
- 🎪 Event organisers
Through these meaningful, youth-led experiences, they develop real-world skills, confidence, and pride in place—while actively shaping the communities they live in. These roles don’t just build skills—they offer young people a platform to lead, share their voices, and highlight the issues that matter to them most.
From street art themed around youth safety to creative projects exploring public space and wellbeing, their work connects them more deeply to their community, demonstrates the power of young people leading change, and even takes them all the way to Westminster to meet their local MP.
⚡ Rooted in Youth Voice and Leadership
As a proud signatory of the Power of Youth Charter, we are committed to placing youth leadership at the heart of everything we do. This shapes the PlaceChangers programme at every level—from co-designed projects to opportunities for young people to lead, influence, and make decisions—ensuring they are not just participants, but drivers of real, visible change in their communities.
“I feel much more confident in my social skills now that I’m regularly involved. It’s made me want to do more volunteering – it brings communities together.”
— Autumn, Wolsey PlaceChanger, Event Coordinator
“I feel connected to Ipswich now – it feels safer. When I pass through on my bike, I go past my artwork. It makes me feel proud knowing that’s my work – I did that.”
— Aíne, Wolsey PlaceChanger, Artist
“This has really helped us work on the spot rather than plan things out — it’s a live event, so you have to adapt. It’s made me problem-solve quickly.”
-Will, Wolsey PlaceChanger, Videographer and Photographer
Students Go Digital to Paint Ipswich Pink for Ed Sheeran’s Homecoming, Racking Up 44K Views
Students from Stoke High School’s Travel & Tourism course stepped into digital marketing roles to promote Ipswich Central’s ‘Turn the Town Pink’ campaign for Ed Sheeran’s homecoming gig. Their Instagram reels showcasing local businesses gained real-time engagement, with one reel topping 44k views.
Impressed by their talent, local businesses invited the students to promote their services too — proving you don’t have to leave school to start honing your career.
