Driving bright futures and positive PROSPECTS

As the next generation navigates a future in an uncertain world...

Building pathways for better prospects

Greater community power and local participation in social, civic, and political change drives a fairer future, particularly when amplifying ‘less heard’ voices and supporting young people.

Spark Awards

Spark Awards to ignite youth innovation

Pass the Mic

Our campaign amplifying youth voice

The Peer Action Collective against youth violence

Visit the PAC hub

Communities across the UK are grappling with multiple and sometimes complex challenges, impacting their future prospects and ability to thrive. Greater community participation in the decisions that influence how people connect, live, work and play is a critical part of driving meaningful change and making progress towards a fairer future, particularly when supporting and amplifying ‘less heard’ voices and supporting the next generation of leaders and change makers.

Daniel Farag - Director of Innovation and Practice, The Young Foundation

Thought leadership

Evidence of the lived experiences of poverty in the UK

Beyond buzzwords – Embedding a systemic approach to EDI across the UK’s professions

Family and community vulnerabilities in the transition to net zero

Our spokespeople

Helen Goulden

Helen, CEO of The Young Foundation, leads our multi-disciplinary team of researchers and innovators to support stronger communities across the UK. She has extensive experience in both the private sector and government, enhancing digital strategies and solutions for global corporate clients.

Helen Goulden OBE

Daniel Farag

Dan leads our practical social change and innovation work with communities, public systems, and social enterprises. He has worked across the public, private and charitable sectors, supporting individuals, organisations and systems to release the power of people closest to issues.

Daniel farag

Dr Al Mathers

Al is Director of Research at The Young Foundation in 2023. With over 15 years’ experience, her work focuses on partnerships with underrepresented groups and redesigning participatory approaches. She is passionate about realising a fairer future with communities and supporting evidence-driven social change.

Dr Al Mathers

Our vision for change

The Power of Participation: our vision 2024-28

Inequality Social innovation Systems change

30 November 2023

Embracing the spirit of our founder, Michael Young, our five-year strategy, The Power of Participation, shares our vision to redesign the social contract between people, communities, state and business and shape a fairer, greener future.

Rewriting the rulebook

Community Community leadership Community needs and priorities Places Systems change

9 July 2024

This policy brief outlines The Young Foundation’s vision for enhancing social participation in mission-based government.

Community research

We are a not-for-profit tackling societal issues with a collaborative, multi-disciplinary approach.

Contact our team

Social innovation

Involving people from diverse sectors to shape game-changing initiatives.

Find out more

© The Young Foundation 2025