Young people from challenging backgrounds often lack essential support systems such as positive role models and career guidance. Through community-led dialogues and participatory research, IMAGINE seeks to understand and address the specific needs of young people aged 14 – 18 in these settings. By identifying gaps in support and co-developing practical solutions, the project aims to enhance career navigation, mentorship access, work experience opportunities and legal awareness.

The project will also use motivational storytelling with ‘living role models’ who share similar life experiences to inspire and empower the younger generation. This approach not only promotes personal growth and resilience but also helps young people envision a compelling path towards achieving their aspirations. 

Key project outcomes include

– Lead community dialogues and participatory research to comprehensively understand the needs and support systems of young people, informing the development of tailored solutions.

– Use motivational storytelling with ‘living role models’ to engage and inspire young people, facilitating their journey towards personal growth and resilience as they pursue their goals. 

– Raise stakeholder awareness and implement positive changes that enhance opportunities for young people facing significant challenges.

If you would like to speak to a member of staff about this project, please email us via enquiries@ukyoungacademy.org.  

Members

Leads

Barbara Hughes-Moore

Lecturer in Law

Cardiff University

Linda Oyama

Lecturer in Microbiomics, Antimicrobial Resistance and One Health

Queen's University Belfast

Fatemeh Shahbazi

Assistant Professor

University of Warwick

Supporting

Ralph Akyea

Senior Research Fellow

University of Nottingham

Ana Blanco Alvarez

Senior Lecturer in Infrastructure Engineering

Loughborough University

Igor Chernyavsky

Presidential Academic Fellow

University of Manchester

Karen Donaldson

Project Manager

The National Robotarium

David Hester

Senior Lecturer in Civil Engineering

Queen’s University Belfast

Abdo Koko

Senior Research Scientist

National Physical Laboratory

Antonia Liguori

Professor of Participatory Storytelling and Public Policy

Teesside University

Alexander Lloyd

Research Fellow

University College London

Emily Lowthian

Lecturer in Education

Swansea University

Mengyao Lu

Research Fellow

University of Edinburgh

Sophie Meekings

Royal Society Dorothy Hodgkin Research Fellow

University of York

Victoria Miyandazi

Research Fellow (Knight Fellow in Legal and Constitutional Research)

University of St Andrews

John-Mark Philo

UKRI Future Leaders Fellow

University of East Anglia

Charles Maurice Pigott

Lecturer in Hispanic Studies

University of Strathclyde

Mirain Rhys

Senior Lecturer, Psychology

Cardiff Metropolitan University

Sandeep Sandhu

Head of Stakeholder Relationships

Innovate UK Business Connect

Fiona Walport

Lecturer in Structural Design

University College London

Vanissa Wanick

Senior Lecturer in Interaction Design

University of Southampton

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