Part of VTSUK’s Pathways to Wellbeing & Belonging Project
Funded by The National Lottery Community Fund
Empowering young people to lead, connect, and create change
VTSUK believes young people are the heartbeat of every thriving community. Through our Youth Leadership & Development programme, we give them the tools, confidence, and real-world experience to become changemakers — leading initiatives that inspire wellbeing, unity, and service.
This year-long programme in the London Borough of Hillingdon and sorrounding boroughs helps young people aged 14–25 build leadership, communication, and teamwork skills while giving back to their communities.
🧭 Leadership Bootcamp
Build confidence. Find your voice. Lead with purpose.
A hands-on bootcamp where young people learn:
-
Public speaking and presentation skills
-
Teamwork and event planning
-
Decision-making and creative problem-solving
-
Leading with empathy and service
Participants will take part in interactive workshops, roleplays, and real community projects — gaining skills they can use in school, work, or volunteering.
🌍 Community Changemakers
From ideas to action — youth-led projects that make a difference.
Young people design and deliver their own mini-projects such as:
-
-
Cultural celebration events
-
Wellbeing or environmental campaigns
-
Creative arts or community connection initiatives
-
👉 Example: At the 2025 Diwali Mela, VTSUK youth volunteers organised games and activities for children, helping families engage in cultural learning and fun while showcasing youth leadership in action.
These projects build confidence, creativity, and teamwork — proving that young people can shape positive change right where they live.
💻 Digital Skills & Social Media for Good
Creating positive impact online.
This strand trains young people to use digital tools and social media responsibly and effectively — to promote kindness, wellbeing, and community awareness.
Participants learn:
-
-
Content creation and campaign planning
-
Online safety and digital wellbeing
-
How to tell authentic, positive stories that inspire others
-
They’ll also support VTSUK’s online campaigns — helping spread key messages on wellbeing, cultural harmony, and community service.
🤝 Intergenerational Mentorship Sessions
Bridging generations through culture and conversation.
Young people and older residents come together to exchange experiences, skills, and stories.
Through shared performances, cultural workshops, and dialogue sessions, both groups learn from one another — strengthening understanding across ages and backgrounds.
👉 Example: At the Diwali Mela 2025, young and older cultural performers shared the stage, blending traditional and modern performances to celebrate unity across generations.
💫 The Impact
By the end of the programme, participants will:
-
-
Gain leadership, communication, and teamwork skills
-
Build confidence to organise and deliver real projects
-
Strengthen their sense of belonging and community purpose
-
Connect with mentors, cultural leaders, and local partners
-
Together, we’re nurturing the next generation of leaders who serve with compassion, creativity, and courage.
💌 Get Involved
If you’re a young person (14–25) in Hillingdon and nearby boroughs and want to take part — or a community member interested in mentoring — we’d love to hear from you!
If you have any questions before the event, please contact us at team@vtsuk.org.
🙏 Thank You
We are deeply grateful to The National Lottery Community Fund and all the players of the National Lottery. Your support makes it possible for us to create a community where people feel healthier, less isolated, and more connected – a community that belongs to everyone.
