Celebrating Young Gamechangers making a difference in Communities Across the UK

Co-op Foundation, in partnership with Co-op and the #iwill Fund is delivering the £4.5m Young Gamechangers Fund, a one-of-kind fund that puts funding directly in the hands of young leaders. 

The young people are already making a huge difference in their communities – tackling issues they care deeply about, supporting their peers and creating positive change where they live. 

Last weekend, we had the chance to celebrate some of these remarkable young people at the Young Gamechangers Fund Celebration Event, bringing together young activists, community leaders and partners from across the UK. 

The event was an opportunity to recognise everything the Young Gamechangers have achieved so far, share learning and discuss how young people can continue their important work while protecting their wellbeing.

Learning from the Young Gamechangers 

Throughout the day, young people spoke openly about the opportunities and challenges that can come with leading change in communities. 

Co-op Foundation Funding & Partnerships Manager, Deanne Dixon, attended the event and was struck by the honesty, resilience and determination of those taking part. 

Some of her key reflections included: 

• Burnout can surface when young activists feel they aren’t making enough progress. 

• Living within systems that place unequal demands on people can contribute to burnout. 

• Our individual circumstances often affect how much we can take on. 

• Reframing negative narratives can help us protect our wellbeing. 

• Young activists can sometimes feel as though they’re doing too much and not enough at the same time. 

• Sometimes the question isn’t “How do we grow?” but “How do we keep going?” 

What makes the Young Gamechangers Fund different is that it has been developed with young people from the start. Their experiences and ideas have helped shape how the fund works, ensuring that young voices are not only heard but genuinely influence decision-making.

We know young people are often closest to the challenges facing their communities. That’s why the fund gives them the flexibility, trust and support they need to lead projects in ways that work for them. 

Thank You, Co-op Members 

None of this would be possible without the support of Co-op members. 

Every time members choose Co-op, they help create opportunities for young people to take action on the issues that matter most to them and their communities. 

Co-op Foundation Chief Executive Nick Crofts said 

“A huge thank you to all of our Co-op member-owners whose support is  enabling young people across the UK to act on the issues they care about and make a real impact in their local communities, showing true social value in action.” 

The Young Gamechangers Fund is also supported by Co-op Live, through a £1 million annual donation to Co-op Foundation to help drive youth social action through programmes like this. 

Looking Ahead 

The passion, creativity and determination shown by the Young Gamechangers reminds us why investing in young people matters. 

Whether they’re campaigning for change, supporting others or developing new ideas to tackle local challenges, these young leaders are helping to build stronger communities for everyone. 

We’re proud to support them on their journey and look forward to seeing what they achieve next.