Welcome to the Autumn Edition of the UYA Newsletter!
We continue to strengthen partnerships through the Wyre and Fylde Youth Providers Partnership Alliance, and have finalised the Gender Bias Research with young people. Looking ahead, we are excited about the “What About the Boys” Conference and Hackathon in November, and are already planning the Four Nations Conference in Northern Ireland (March 2025). February will see us celebrate LGBTQ+ History Month, and preparations are underway for 20 Years of Pride in 2026.
We are also developing a coast of social action, with exciting plans for the co-creation of a Boys Impact Hub in early 2026. On the qualifications front, UYA has completed the first Level 2 Youth Work Award, with some graduates already progressing towards Level 3.
We continue to work with our colleagues in Zambia to support in try development of accredited training for youth ad community workers and we look forward t hopefully visiting Zambia once agin to work closely with our learned colleagues.
None of this would be possible without our dedicated staff team, volunteers, associates, funders, partners, lived experience volunteers, and, most importantly, the young people themselves, your energy, creativity, and commitment have been truly inspiring.
Thank you to everyone for being part of this incredible journey together, we’re shaping the future of youth leadership and community practice on the Fylde Coast and beyond.
Tasha is a youth support worker at UYA, leading both our Young Men’s Group and LGBTQ+ Group.
Now in her final year studying Sexual Health (BA Hons), Tasha brings a unique blend of academic insight and lived experience to her role, having previously worked in hospitality and event management.
Passionate about equity and inclusion, she’s committed to creating enriching, meaningful opportunities for all young people and fostering connection, understanding, and shared learning across diverse communities.
Holly is a youth support worker with UYA and leads our Young Women’s Social Action Group. With a background in teaching English and History at a Blackpool high school, she has been involved with UYA for over six years, supporting International Women’s Day and International Men’s Day initiatives.
Holly holds a degree in English and History, a PGCE, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Education, and is currently completing a Level 3 Youth Work qualification. She is passionate about creating inclusive spaces and empowering young people to drive positive social change.
Becca is a youth support worker for UYA. Becca is also a qualified experienced lead practitioner working within the care system supporting the voice of young people in care.
Becca supports the development of UYA bespoke youth led projects alongside young people ensuring their voices heard and co-develop social action projects across the Fylde coast.
Zach is a youth support worker and community sports coach with a passion for making activities inclusive and accessible for all. Alongside volunteering with UYA, Zach is a lifeguard at the YMCA and a football coach with Blackpool FC Community Trust, where he leads sessions for children with disabilities, mental health challenges, and those from socially excluded backgrounds.
He is also a trained Dementia Champion and is currently studying for a foundation degree through Blackpool FC Community Trust and the University of South Wales. Zach is committed to giving back to his community, helping young people build confidence, friendships, and a sense of belonging.
Candice reports on the 5 Year Strategy Review event held at the UYA.
Approximately 50 people from across Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre, gathered together to review our 5 Year Strategy, co-created by young women. Tilly introduced the main sections of our strategy including: Green, This Woman Can, Innovation, Happiness and Rainbow. We then ran through harrowing statistics about our local area before starting on the tasks.
Each table was assigned a theme to discuss, explore and consider what improvements can be made in that field. The sheets were then swapped until each group had completed every theme so that we could collect as much data as possible in order for us to effectively review the strategies. After the task was complete we all watched a special screening of the documentary created by our young women, ‘Peer to Pier: A Seaside Sisterhood’ whilst enjoying some amazing pizza and popcorn. Once we had finished our treats, Holly led the online survey which brought up some clear main issues that the attendees faced in day-to-day lives.
Candice tells us about the Young Women’s meeting with Chris Webb, discussing transport and support for young people.
On the 5th of September, members of UYA had a meeting with Chris Webb – MP for Blackpool South. Webb continued on talking about how what he is currently doing to they to improve the life for the younger population in the local community. When we asked questions, he answered them thoroughly and it was an amazing experience to be able to learn what he does day-to-day as a local MP. We then explained what the United Youth Alliance is currently doing and spoke about campaigns we have done in the past, what we are currently working on, and our plans for future events. Chris Webb has his own questions for us about our campaigns and offered advice for the Young Women’s groups current campaign for safety on public transport. The meeting was very informative for everyone who attended and helpful to find out what somebody who is local to us is doing to help the local youth, all whilst enjoying pizza!
Candice tells us about the trip out for the Young Women at the UYA to promote their campaign for safer transport across Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre for all young people.
The Young Women’s Social Action Group went to Blackpool Promenade for work on our ‘Our safety is our right’ campaign. The ‘Our Safety is Our Right’ campaign is the UYA trying to achieve safer public transport for young people. Travelling to a nearby a tram stop, we used eco-friendly cleaning products and stencils to leave our message, hoping that travellers far and wide will see this. After this, we went onto the beach and we all worked together to clearly write our message on the sand, reiterating that it is our right to feel safe when using public transport. Our campaign is ongoing, so watch this space!
‘Through our work with the group, one message stood out clearly – safety is their right, and it’s something they all feel passionately about. We wanted to make sure that message came across powerfully and connected directly to their social action group.’ – Robyn Peatfield, iWill
Olivia reports on her experience of being a young researcher and getting involved at the Writers Retreat.
Did you know that 90% of the global population harbour at least one gender bias opinion against the opposing gender? Our research group is determined to change this, starting with Blackpool and the Fylde coast:
We have been working tirelessly for months; creating questionnaires to send out online and to interview a range of young people in person, this will be put together to create a report based on Gender Bias (Gender bias is defined as a stereotypical view of what it means to be a young woman or young man) in education and careers and have recently been on a writing retreat, where we stayed overnight at Blackpool FC Hotel, gathering our information and plucking out the important parts, summarising our answers to help us organise and understand others perspectives of gender bias. The group has worked with many people to help with our research which we are very thankful for and couldn’t have done it all without them. This has given us a broader comprehension of young people’s viewpoints and experiences with gender bias.
I’ve really enjoyed working together with others on this project for the past few months, and have gained many valuable skills from the retreat that I can use elsewhere, and have had fun as well. I think it’s been an eye opening experience and I feel very privileged to have taken part in it, Ella (who has been apart of this research project) says “The retreat was an amazing experience and really brought us closer together as a group”.
We believe that this research will help others in understanding what gender bias is, and to create an environment where everyone is treated equally. How do you think you could make our world less gender bias?
We developed key partnership with peers and youth workers across Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales and created a Four Nations consortium, developing key learning networks and a Four Nations annual event, where young women come together to create meaningful change.
Elliot and Toby report on their experience of the Youth Pride Games up in Scotland.
We had a long trip ahead of us, so started by fuelling up with a Greggs and a short train ride to get to the coach. We started off super well by going to the wrong pickup point (shoutout to Tasha for taking us to the wrong hotel!), after checking her emails she got us back on the right track. We arrived, did a brief introduction with the other groups and loaded onto the coach for the 5-hour drive ahead to the Inverclyde National Sports Training Centre in Largs, Scotland.
A few stops along the way and some snacks later, we arrived, dropped our bags off to our rooms and headed to the cafeteria for an introduction to the weekend and debrief session with the organisers from Pride Sports UK and Leap Sports Scotland. We were served dinner (genuinely top-tier food with loads of options and variety for dietary requirements) and then sent to settle in to our rooms before some evening icebreakers. Whilst we waited in the Sports Hall, we did some spontaneous foot races, and after meeting all the other participants, we hung out in the lounge playing games.
Toby, Ethan, and Tasha played Uno while Elliot sat out for safety reasons (it got intense). Elliot and Ethan played pool, and Elliot absolutely smashed it. To wind down, we watched Netflix with some tea before heading to bed.
The next morning started smoothly, we all split off for various activities for the day, each of us had a standout, Elliot loved the pool party, Ethan killed it in Kung Fu, Toby smashed Gymnastics and Tasha felt passionate about Archery and Pickleball. This barely scratches the surface of all the cool things we got to try though! After dinner there was a roller disco, (Soda Pop played a lot), and Elliot had a minor head injury and almost lost his eyebrow piercing, but it survived (thank goodness!).
Getting Elliot out of bed the next day was a mission, but we made it to breakfast. Toby went to yoga, while Tasha, Ethan, and Elliot did a mindfulness walk (Tasha found it more exhausting than mindful, but Elliot loved it). Tasha convinced Elliot to join her and Ethan for badminton, while Toby did parkour. After lunch, we had a celebration, got medals, took photos, and said our goodbyes.
On the long coach ride back, we stopped for McDonald’s and then caught the train home. We all headed back to our houses for some well-earned rest. Watch out for our summary discussion of the weekend coming soon to our podcast Lavender Libraries on Spotify!
Candice informs us on the young women’s experience working alongside Parkinsons in breaking the stigma around women working in construction.
The Girls in Construction event in Blackpool was a resounding success, bringing together young women, industry professionals, and educators to celebrate and promote female participation in the construction sector. Hosted by Parkinsons and supported by the United Youth Alliance, the event created an inspiring and practical environment where participants could explore new skills and opportunities within the trades.
Throughout the day, young women engaged in a hands-on workshop, creating their own birdboxes under the guidance of skilled joiners and mentors. This interactive activity not only showcased their craftsmanship but also symbolised building confidence, teamwork, and resilience. The event highlighted how practical experience can empower young women to envision themselves thriving in traditionally male-dominated industries.
Representatives from Parkinsons shared insights into the diverse career paths available in construction, encouraging participants to pursue apprenticeships, training, and professional qualifications. The event also sparked important conversations about breaking down barriers and addressing the stigma surrounding women in construction.
Attendees expressed enthusiasm and pride in their achievements, leaving with a renewed sense of confidence and belonging. The initiative was widely praised for promoting inclusion, representation, and empowerment, helping to challenge stereotypes and reshape perceptions of gender roles within the industry. The success of the Girls in Construction event marked a significant step forward in inspiring the next generation of female tradespeople across Blackpool and the wider Fylde Coast, setting a positive precedent for future community-led engagement.
Thank you again to Parkinsons for this fantastic event and engaging our young women in construction!
We kicked off our latest youth adventure with a hike up Pendle Hill , following the sculpture trail, teaming up for a quiz challenge, and soaking up all the fresh air and nature.
From climbing hills and hunting clues to crafting wish jars and sharing lunch, it was a full-on day of connection and movement.
Massive shoutout to our partners at Parkinson for sponsoring the event and bringing ten incredible volunteers all part of our Pears Foundation project to boost physical activity and wellness in young people.
Cerys tells us about her trip to the Lake District as a newly appointed iWill Ambassador.
After being told I was one of this years iWILL ambassadors, I was informed I had been given the opportunity to go on iWILL’s annual residential in the Lake District! The fear of being away from home made me nervous but I had no idea just how many amazing and intelligent individuals I would meet.
As soon as I arrived, I was greeted with nothing but kindness. Young people from all across the UK were able to share their social action and I think in that moment I realised just how much of a difference we could all make. After a long but enjoyable meeting session all ambassadors were allocated to their rooms. Later we excitedly unpacked and made our beds before we hurriedly headed down to the main area to get to know our IWILL cochairs! Molly and Henry perfectly explained how huge #iWill is and made every single one of us walk out of the room feeling empowered.
The second day was full of activities! We started with vocational activities like leadership and public speech training that helped build our confidence and allow us to gain new skills. Afterwards, the true fun began. From canoeing to high-ropes, the rest of the day was full of laughter! All of us gained so many memories that are impossible to forget. As the day came to an end we all began to calm down and relax at the renowned campfire. We all sat contently whilst eating our toasted marshmallows. Everyone began to discuss how insanely grateful they were for this opportunity and I, being one of them, couldn’t have asked for a better residential.
The final day, all of the ambassadors were up early and packing their bags. The sadness was undeniable, but we all knew that we would all meet again. With many hugs, smiles and tears everyone said their goodbyes leaving with the feeling of pure happiness and fulfilment.
Holly took a trip to Thornton Primary School to meet some of the Fylde Coast’s younger Social Activists!
I had the wonderful opportunity to go and meet some young people from Thornton Primary School and introduce them to social action and what they would like to see in their local community to make life better for young people. The year 4 children (aged 8-9) were really keen to get involved!
‘In October, Holly from the UYA came to visit my class. She told us all about her fun job’ – Callie
‘Rowan Class [Year 4] was excited to learn more…they [UYA] listen to the kids’ – George
‘I never knew young people could change the community. I didn’t know young people could speak to the government and take action to change the UK’ – Juilian
‘My class has taken up social action and said the roads are not safe for children to cross them’ – Hugh
‘The problem is wagons are driving too fast and no crossings are available’ – Brianne
‘I hope that I can make I can make a change one day’ – Willow
I also had the delight to meet the year 6 students who were really keen to share their thoughts on social action and what it means to be involved.
Before Holly’s visit, I thought campaigning was frightening, the thought of standing around chanting and holding banners petrified me. I would of never thought that me and tonnes of children out there could have a say in what happens in our communities, until Holly visited.
She taught us that WE can make a change! We learnt that we are the future of our world, that we can all come together to make our world a better place.
She explained that since we are kids, we will have a better chance of knowing what kids want. The thought of being able to make a change feels thrilling. Just the idea of being able to come together and make a change feels enticing.
Now that I know that I could make a change, I would gladly do it.
A huge thank you to Holly for coming in and representing the United Youth Alliance.
-Charlotte
Jake Adams, Director
The Baton of Hope 2025 evening event in Blackpool gathered communities, families, and young people to raise awareness of suicide prevention and mental health support. United Youth Alliance were invited to attend the event, empowering youth voices through performances, discussions, and creative expression, inspiring hope, unity, and positive mental health action across generations.
Two of our young women took to the stage to open the event, singing songs of empowerment and hope to begin the night.
The Baton of Hope 2025 evening event in Blackpool gathered communities, families, and young people to raise awareness of suicide prevention and mental health support. United Youth Alliance were invited to attend the event, empowering youth voices through performances, discussions, and creative expression, inspiring hope, unity, and positive mental health action across generations.
Two of our young women took to the stage to open the event, singing songs of empowerment and hope to begin the night.
The Wyre & Fylde Youth Alliance is a collaborative initiative led by voluntary and community youth organisations, statutory partners, and young people. It aims to build a strong, sustainable youth sector by amplifying youth voice, improving opportunities, and strengthening partnerships across Wyre and Fylde.
The initiative targets young people from diverse backgrounds, youth workers and volunteers, and community organisations that support youth development. It also engages local authorities, schools, and businesses to create an inclusive, connected ecosystem that empowers young people to influence decisions and access quality opportunities.
The Alliance will operate as a collaborative network—driven by youth voice. It will establish a Youth Board, deliver training and mentoring, and co-create new services and projects, such as skills development, community engagement, mystery visits and partnership-driven programmes designed to build confidence, leadership, and belonging among young people. This is very much a youth led project and will be guided and developed by the young people.
Scan the QR code to complete the form and one of the UYA team will be in touch to see how you can be involved.
