News / young people
Social enterprise launches ‘Trailblazer’ scheme to amplify youth voice
Babbasa, a Bristol-based youth empowerment organisation, has unveiled a new Trailblazer Programme, aimed at amplifying youth voices and actions within the OurCity2030 vision for Bristol.
The St Paul’s-based social enterprise has come in leaps and bounds since it was founded in 2010 by four graduates who witnessed rising levels of underachievement, unemployment and lack of aspirations among young people from marginalised communities.
The Trailblazer Programme is designed to empower young people to challenge injustices and inequalities by increasing their representation on key decision-making boards and shaping city policies.
The scheme will advocate for improved social mobility in Bristol, supporting Babbasa’s goal to engage up to 600 low-income and ethnic minority young people annually, helping them progress into their chosen career fields as part of the OurCity2030 initiative.
The setting at St Davids was chosen to provide underrepresented young people with an experience they might not usually access
In preparation for the programme’s launch, an adventure weekend was held in St Davids, Pembrokeshire, where 12 ‘Trailblazers’ gathered to connect with nature.
The setting was chosen to provide underrepresented young people with an experience they might not usually access. The weekend included various outdoor activities and a focus group to capture youth voices, further shaping the programme and fostering a network among the ‘Trailblazers’.
Corrie Macleod, Babbasa Trailblazer lead, said: “The adventure weekend was a wonderful opportunity to meet and engage with Trailblazers who already have so many exciting ideas to design and deliver this long-awaited programme.
“ For many young people, their representation in spaces of influence would not only spark positive changes in their local community but would create a greater sense of belonging for marginalised and ethnically minoritised youth across Bristol and beyond.”
Trailblazer Itunu said: “The Trailblazer group has made me feel at home. I feel like I am in a community of like-minded people. People who are young, people filled with dreams and people who are ready to push themselves. So I feel really at home, I feel surrounded by friends.”
“It’s special to be able to have an agreement for a city model that brings together influential cross-sector institutions to tackle the problem head on,” says Poku Osei, founding director of Babbasa (pictured with Marvin Rees) – photo: Babbasa
Another Trailblazer, Mae, shared: “It pushed me out of my comfort zone, helped me establish trust with others, connect with nature like never before and learn how to look after others and myself.”
The Trailblazer Programme marks a significant step towards ensuring that youth voices are heard and valued in Bristol, paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable future.
To learn more about Babbasa Trailblazers, contact corrie.macleod@byep.org.uk
All photos: Babbasa
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