YLAB LGD | BLESST CIC

Empowering the Next Generation through BLESST YLAB

BLESST YLAB (Youth Leaders Advisory Board) is a pioneering initiative in Birmingham that empowers young individuals aged 10–19 to become community organisers, change-makers, and youth mentors. Through structured leadership development, project planning, and advocacy, these young leaders are not only finding their voices—they're using them to shape their communities.

Since its inception, YLAB has trained dozens of youth leaders from diverse schools and colleges. These leaders have spearheaded projects addressing emotional well-being, youth mental health, and policy engagement. Their work reflects a deep commitment to social action and community empowerment.

Key Highlights:

Youth-led Mental Health Campaigns: YLAB members have initiated peer-led discussions and workshops to tackle stigma around youth mental health.
Community Events: Leaders have helped plan and execute local events that bring families together and promote youth engagement.
Policy Advocacy: Young leaders have contributed to research and policy recommendations to improve youth services and safe spaces for young people in Birmingham.

Case Study 1: From Participant to Mentor – The Journey of a Youth Leader

Background: A 15-year-old student joined YLAB with a passion for mental health advocacy. Initially shy, they quickly grew into a confident speaker and organiser.

Progression:

Led a school-wide mental health awareness week.
Co-facilitated peer support groups with guidance from BLESST mentors.
Became a mentor for new YLAB recruits, helping them navigate leadership roles.

Impact: Their efforts led to increased mental health support in their school and inspired others to take on leadership roles.

Case Study 2: Building Confidence Through Leadership

Name: YP Age 13
Starting Point: YP joined YLAB as a quiet and reserved student who struggled with public speaking.
Journey:

Participated in leadership workshops and team-building exercises.
Took on the role of event coordinator for a youth mental health awareness day.
Delivered their first public speech to over 50 attendees, sharing their personal story.

Growth: YP now mentors’ younger members, helping them overcome anxiety and build confidence. They're known for their empathy and ability to bring out the best in others.

Case Study 3: Turning Passion into Purpose

Name: YP Age 16
Starting Point: YP was passionate about social justice but unsure how to channel it.

Journey:

Joined the Youth Peer Empowerment Board.
Led a campaign on youth voice in local policing policies.
Facilitated community dialogues between young people and local authorities.

Growth: YP is now a youth ambassador for BLESST, regularly speaking at regional forums. They're pursuing a career in community development and continues mentoring new board members.

Case Study 4: From Struggle to Strength

Name: YP Age 17

Starting Point: YP faced personal challenges with mental health and joined YLAB seeking support.

Journey:

Engaged in peer support groups and leadership training.
Co-created a youth-led mental health toolkit used in schools.
Became a peer mentor, supporting others with similar experiences.

Growth: the transformation from a participant to a mentor has inspired many. They now want to look at psychology and volunteer as a youth activator and wellbeing advocate.

Case Study 5: Leading with Innovation

Name: YP Age 18

Starting Point: YP was an interested civil engineer and innovator, but lacked leadership experience.

Journey:

Proposed and led a digital literacy project for local youth.
Partnered with schools to deliver coding workshops.
Trained other YLAB members to facilitate tech sessions.

Growth: The initiative has reached over 200 young people. They now mentoring others in project planning and has secured a tech internship through BLESST’s network.

BLESST YLAB: Achievements of Our Youth Leaders & Youth Empower Mentors

The BLESST Youth Leaders Advisory Board (YLAB) and Youth Peer Empowerment Board have become trailblazers in Birmingham, setting a new standard for youth leadership and community engagement. These young leaders are not just participants—they are pioneers, organisers, and advocates for change.

Key Achievements:

First of Its Kind: Youth Community Organisers in Birmingham

BLESST YLAB proudly trained the first cohort of youth community organisers in Birmingham.
These young leaders have led social action campaigns, community consultations, and advocacy efforts that directly impact local policy and services.

Peer-to-Peer Youth Empowerment Mentors

YLAB members have become peer mentors for vulnerable young people, including those with:

Learning difficulties
Marginalised backgrounds
Care-experienced and fostered youth

They provide emotional support, guidance, and leadership development through structured mentoring programs.

Speaking Truth to Power

Our youth leaders have engaged directly with decision-makers through partnerships with Citizens UK, advocating for:

Youth mental health support
Community safety
Inclusive education
Policy changes that reflect youth voices

Peer Researchers on Critical Issues

YLAB members have conducted peer-led research on:

Youth violence
Climate change
Social inequality
Cost of living

Their findings have informed local initiatives and contributed to national youth policy discussions.

Creating Inclusive Safe Spaces

BLESST youth leaders have designed and facilitated inclusive, safe environments where young people feel heard, respected, and empowered.
These spaces support emotional well-being, creativity, and community building.

Delivering Youth Programs

YLAB has successfully delivered:

After-school clubs focused on leadership, arts, and well-being
Half-term youth clubs offering enrichment activities, mentoring, and social engagement

Summer HAF Club Success

Over the past years, BLESST peer-to-peer youth empowerment mentors have run a 4-week HAF (Holiday Activities and Food) summer club.
They supported over 300 young people and parents, including support workers, through:

Day trips to Blackpool and Drayton Manor Theme Park
Youth-led activities promote fun, learning, community bonding, and the formation of new friendships among young people who have been isolated.

Their outstanding contribution earned them the Best Youth Leaders Award, recognising their dedication and impact.

BLESST YLAB: Youth-Led Projects Making a Real Difference

The young leaders and peer mentors of BLESST YLAB have actively contributed to a wide range of community, health, research, and social impact projects. These initiatives reflect their commitment to advocacy, inclusion, and empowerment across Birmingham and beyond.

Asthma Awareness and its impact on children in Birmingham: Workshops with the NHS

In partnership with the NHS, BLESST youth leaders facilitated Asthma Awareness Workshops to educate young people and families about respiratory health.
These sessions helped improve understanding, reduce stigma, and promote better health practices in schools and communities.

International Happy Day with the University of Birmingham

YLAB collaborated with the University of Birmingham to celebrate International Happy Day, promoting emotional well-being and positivity.
Activities included creative arts, mindfulness, and youth-led discussions on happiness and mental health.

Street Grime Climate Change Research Project (UOB)

Youth leaders participated in the Street Grime Project, a climate change research initiative with the University of Birmingham.
They explored environmental justice, urban pollution, and youth perspectives on sustainability through creative expression and data collection.

Ecollab Research Project with the University of Birmingham

As part of the Ecollab Project, BLESST youth leaders engaged in collaborative research on social and environmental issues.
Their contributions helped shape inclusive research practices and youth-informed solutions.

Youth Inspectors Project with Empower U of Birmingham Children’s Trust

YLAB members served as Youth Inspectors, evaluating services and programs for young people in care.
Their feedback influenced improvements in service delivery and helped ensure youth voices were central to decision-making.

Bfriends: Feed Our Community Project

Through the BFriends initiative, youth leaders organised food drives and distribution efforts to support families facing hardship.
This project fostered solidarity, compassion, and practical support for vulnerable communities. Winter Wonderland: Giving Families a Christmas to Remember

BLESST created a magical Winter Wonderland experience for families in need, offering gifts, food, and festive activities.
The event brought joy and dignity to families during the holiday season, reinforcing community bonds.

Asthma Awareness Workshops with NHS

Impact Story:
Through a partnership with the NHS, BLESST youth leaders co-designed and delivered asthma awareness workshops in schools and community centres. One young leader, who had struggled with asthma since childhood, shared their personal journey, helping others understand the importance of early intervention and proper inhaler use. The workshops reached over 100 families, improving health literacy and reducing emergency visits. Youth leaders were praised by NHS staff for their empathy and effectiveness in engaging hard-to-reach communities.

International Happy Day with University of Birmingham

Impact Story:
On International Happy Day, BLESST youth leaders partnered with the University of Birmingham to host a celebration of joy and mental wellness. Activities included art therapy, music sessions, and storytelling circles. One participant, previously withdrawn due to anxiety, found confidence through the event’s creative outlets. The day fostered a sense of belonging and emotional resilience, with youth leaders leading mindfulness exercises and peer support groups that continued beyond the event.

Street Grime Climate Change Research Project (UoB)

Impact Story:
In the Street Grime project, youth leaders explored the impact of urban pollution and climate change in their neighbourhoods. Armed with data and lived experience, they presented findings to university researchers and local councillors. One youth leader created a spoken word piece about environmental injustice, which was later featured in a community exhibition. Their work helped shape local environmental education and inspired peers to take part in clean-up campaigns and sustainability workshops.

Ecollab Research Project with University of Birmingham

Impact Story:
As part of the Ecollab initiative, BLESST youth leaders became co-researchers, investigating social and environmental challenges. They conducted interviews, analysed data, and co-authored findings with university staff. One young person, previously disengaged from school, discovered a passion for research and is now pursuing a college course in social sciences. The project demonstrated the power of youth-led inquiry and contributed to more inclusive academic practices.

Youth Inspectors Project with Empower U & Birmingham Children’s Trust

Impact Story:
Youth leaders trained as inspectors evaluated services for children in care, offering feedback on accessibility, safety, and emotional support. One care-experienced youth leader led a review of residential homes, resulting in improved recreational spaces and staff training. Their insights were instrumental in shaping more youth-friendly policies, and their leadership inspired others in care to speak up and get involved.

BFriends: Feed Our Community Project

Impact Story:
During a time of rising food insecurity, BLESST youth leaders launched the BFriends initiative to support struggling families. They organised food drives, packed hampers, and personally delivered meals to over 150 households. One youth mentor shared how the experience deepened their understanding of community service and led them to volunteer regularly at a local food bank. The project built bridges between generations and restored dignity to families in need.

Winter Wonderland: Giving Families a Christmas to Remember

Impact Story:
BLESST’s Winter Wonderland transformed a local hall into a festive haven for families facing hardship. Youth leaders decorated the space, wrapped gifts, and hosted games and performances. A single mother of three shared how the event was the only celebration her children had that year. The joy and connection created by the youth team left a lasting impression, with many families returning to BLESST programs in the new year.

Impact Story - Youth Quotes

Asthma Awareness Workshops with NHS

“Sharing my story helped others understand asthma isn’t just about breathing—it’s about living confidently. I felt proud to help families feel safer.” – Youth Leader, Age 15

International Happy Day with the University of Birmingham

“I never thought talking about happiness could be so powerful. We created a space where everyone felt seen and valued.” – Youth Mentor, Age 16

Street Grime Climate Change Research Project (UoB)

“I used to think climate change was too big for us to fix. Now I know our voices matter—and we’re part of the solution.” – Youth Researcher, Age 17

Ecollab Research Project with University of Birmingham

“Being a youth researcher made me feel like my ideas mattered. I want to keep learning and help others see what we can achieve.” – Youth Leader, Age 18

Youth Inspectors Project with Empower U & Birmingham Children’s Trust

“As someone in care, inspecting services gave me a chance to make things better for others like me. It felt empowering.” – Youth Inspector, Age 17

BFriends: Feed Our Community Project

“Packing food wasn’t just about giving—it was about connecting. We showed people they’re not alone.” – Youth Volunteer, Age 14

Winter Wonderland: Giving Families a Christmas to Remember

“Seeing kids smile when they got their gifts made me realise how much joy we can bring. It was the best part of my year.” – Youth Event Leader, Age 16

Gen 22: Bring the Power – Commonwealth Joint Project

As part of the Gen 22 initiative, BLESST YLAB youth leaders partnered with the Commonwealth Games to inspire young people to engage in sport, physical activity, and emotional well-being. The project focused on desistance and positive lifestyle changes, especially for those at risk of social exclusion. Through workshops, sports events, and mentoring, youth leaders helped participants build confidence, resilience, and connections within their communities.

"Before Gen 22, I didn’t think sport was for me. Now I’m coaching younger kids and helping them stay active and focused. It changed how I see myself." – Youth Participant, Age 17