16 December 2025
We were incredibly proud to bring together young people, educators and partners for the Build the Change Youth Council Showcase Event, a day dedicated to celebrating the ideas young people have for a fairer, more empathetic and inclusive world.
The Day and the LEGO Group’s Build the Change social impact programme brought together a group of 17 passionate students who explored real-world issues that affect society, and shared bold, future-focused ideas to remind us how powerful it is to listen to young voices.
In a space where students truly took the lead, broadcaster Abby Cook helped guide conversations that were full of imagination, honesty and heart.
The Youth Council’s design concepts were inspiring and practical: eco-friendly hospital car parks with pet spaces, community hubs that everyone can use, and friendship gardens designed to help people connect. These ideas made one thing clear: young people aren’t just ready for the future, they’re shaping it, and they’re doing it with fairness, creativity and compassion at the centre.
We were grateful to hear from leaders who took the time to engage with the students’ visions as a part of our panel session, including Kamran Mallick, Chief Executive, Disability Rights UK · David Pallash, Director of Build the Change, the LEGO Group · Marsha Ramroop, Chartered MCIPD FIEDP FRSA, Director & Founder of Unheard Voice Consultancy Ltd · Chantelle Lindsay, Wildlife Conservationist & TV Presenter.
Hear from our Youth Council and industry experts at our showcase event in the LEGO Group offices in London!
Reflections from our guests truly captured the spirit of the day:
“An amazing group of young people with ideas on inclusion, belonging, empathy and wellness.” Kamran Mallick
“Thoughtful and practical solutions to create a world where everyone feels a sense of belonging.” Kathryn Tombling, Principal and Head of Housing BDP
The impact of the event reached far beyond the room. Teachers supporting the Youth Council shared the difference it made for their students:
“It was really good to bring everyone together to showcase their thoughts and work.” Howie Shearing, King’s Oak
“The impact on the children’s confidence and self-esteem has been incredible.” Jeanette, Greystoke Primary School
When young people are given the space to lead, their confidence grows, and their belief in their own agency blossoms. This was evident again in the Build the Change Youth Council Student Survey.
Hundreds of children across five schools in England were asked: If you could make one change to the world to help bring people together, what would it be? The top three changes young people want to see are equality for everyone, happiness and wellbeing for all, and a world where everyone feels included. They also shared ideas for making their local communities more welcoming, from more natural spaces to play in, to safe and friendly buildings where people can meet and connect.
You can read more about the survey and explore the Youth Council’s ideas in our Newspaper of the Future: https://buildthechange.theday.co.uk/resources/students-call-for-future-where-everyone-belongs/
Thank you to every student, teacher, and supporter who made this event possible. We’re already looking ahead to more moments like this, and we can’t wait to share more of the brilliant ideas that are helping shape a kinder, more connected world. Click here for free Build the Change educational resources, including news worksheets, podcasts, and workshops.
Share your stories with Student Voices!
If your school or college is a member of The Day, your students are invited to take part in Student Voices, our platform for young people to speak up about the things that matter to them.
Have they been inspired by one of our weekly worksheets? Did a news story spark a strong reaction, or is there something they think isn’t getting enough attention? Perhaps there’s a story they believe deserves to be told, that’s what Student Voices is all about.
Find out more at: https://theday.co.uk/student-voices-submission-guide/
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