The Young Foundation

‘A true tool for empowerment’

30 June 2025

Senior Researcher Amelia Clayton shares how the Pushing Boundaries conference was shaped and informed by its Accountability Group.

‘Preparing for disaster is not a solo sport’

2 April 2025 | Authors: Helen Goulden OBE,

After a childhood fearing nuclear war and early adult years as a ‘city prepper’, our CEO now calls for ‘whole society’ preparedness and greater recognition of community responders.

‘Tenacity and environmental justice: my childhood in Toxic Town’

11 March 2025 | Authors: Leonie Taylor,

Our Senior Researcher Leonie Taylor shares her memories growing up in Corby – a place currently dramatised in a Netflix miniseries – says a ‘just transition’ belongs to the people.

The beautiful game: in divided times, can amateur football build community?

20 February 2025 | Authors: Jack Layton,

Dr Jack Layton explores how amateur sports build social connections, care and trust.

Net zero can be a polarising issue – but our transition must reach everyone

13 February 2025 | Authors: Leonie Taylor,

Leonie Taylor shares her reflections on the climate story in 2025.

‘We face challenging times – but the solutions are available to us all’

29 January 2025 | Authors: Helen Goulden OBE,

As we launch into a turbulent and troubled 2025, our CEO Helen Goulden says The Young Foundation’s vision for a better-connected and fairer society is as vital as ever.

‘A movement of hope, a movement of neighbours’

24 January 2025 | Authors: Al Mathers, Leonie Taylor, Jack Layton,

When communities feel powerless, apathy breeds. Al Mathers, Leonie Taylor and Jack Layton call for greater resources and time to ensure people can have ongoing, active roles in shaping their homes and neighbourhoods.

‘Research and innovation are about hope and empowerment’

18 December 2024

At our Community Research Networks Away Days, Dame Ottoline Leyser DBE FRS, Chief Executive of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), shared a vision for a more ‘open and inclusive’ future.

‘Challenging a disconnect between communities and research’

16 December 2024 | Authors: Helen Goulden OBE,

Supporting community-led networks can challenge a ‘dysfunctional relationship’ in research, say UKRI’s Tom Saunders and David Chapman, and The Young Foundation’s Helen Goulden.

‘Can mission-driven leadership accelerate social change?’

23 September 2024

As Labour’s Annual Conference unfolds, Mark Griffiths argues that participatory methods will help its ‘missions’ succeed

‘A bright future for community energy?’

13 August 2024 | Authors: Jacob Coburn,

With time, investment, and a commitment to community engagement, Great British Energy could be a local as well as a national success story, says Jacob Coburn.