IMAGINE
A project designed to empower young people from challenging backgrounds by bridging gaps in career guidance, mentorship, and opportunities through community-led research, practical solutions, and inspiring role models who share their stories.
Young people from challenging backgrounds, including those displaced by conflict and migration, often struggle to access the career guidance, mentorship, and opportunities they need to succeed. This project hopes to help change that.
Through community-led dialogues and participatory research, the IMAGINE project 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.
Approach
Current progress
The project team is currently gathering insights from young people, parents, educators, support workers, legal professionals, and role models to better understand the barriers and challenges they face and the opportunities available for young people. Your help in sharing this initiative with your networks will be invaluable.
Each group is invited to complete a short survey to help us identify challenges and shape real solutions. Please share the surveys with your networks: schools, youth centres, community groups, and colleagues.
Key project outcomes
- 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
Lecturer in Microbiomics, Antimicrobial Resistance and One Health
Queen's University Belfast
Supporting
Associate Professor of Developmental Psychology, Co-Director UCL Centre for Education and Criminal Justice
University College London
Project milestones
The following milestones represent the key actions the project team is undertaking as part of the ongoing work.
Assessing young people's needs
Identify and share stories of living role models
Young people’s insight sessions
Summary of findings
Related Activities
Health OpenSpaces
Making Waves
Science and Technology Diplomacy
