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Graeae Theatre
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28 September 2026Involving young people at Esmée: The journey so far
Since 2020, we have worked closely with the Involving Young People Collective to involve young people more directly in our work, and this report reflects on our five-year journey, the impact of the partnership and what we have learned along the way.
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The Involving Young People Fund: supporting young people to invest in their communities
From 2024 to 2025, 11 young people from Wakefield and Barnsley co-designed a £90,000 Fund to support projects that address challenges faced by young people in their communities.
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Applying for Youth-Led Creativity funding
See the guidance for applying to the Youth-Led Creativity Fund. Co-designed with Esmée's Involving Young People Collective, we expect to make 12 to 16 grants, totalling £2m, over 2026 and 2027, and will be focusing our support on organisations based in and working in Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales.
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Youth-Led Creativity funding Q&A: 16 July 2026
Watch our Q&A webinar about our Youth-Led Creativity funding, which will open to applications in July 2026.
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Youth-Led Creativity funding opening in July 2026
We're excited to share that we will open to applications for Youth-Led Creativity in July. Co-designed with Esmée's Involving Young People Collective, the programme will focus on work in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, and accept applications on a rolling basis.
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Why Esmée is focusing on parents with care experience
We’re pleased to share the findings from research exploring issues for parents with care experience and our future plans, supported by recommendations from a steering group of parents with care experience.
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Joy, challenge and change: my journey on the IYPC
Melanie Da Silva Pinto from Esmée’s Involving Young People Collective reflects on her time as a young consultant, what she’s learned and how the experience has shaped her thinking and her hopes for the sector. Mel also shares advice for young people joining the Collective.
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Holding power as a member of the Involving Young People Collective
Daniel Mapatac from Esmée’s Involving Young People Collective (IYPC) shares his reflections on the impact ‘holding power’ as a young consultant has had on him and why shifting power to young people is important for creating long-term systems change.
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Blue Spaces: Reflections on youth leadership, trust and place-based funding
Thalia Papanicolaou from HUDL Youth Development Agency shares her insights into how the Blue Spaces programme unfolded - and why this way of working with young people created such meaningful change.
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Learning about youth power on the Involving Young People Collective
Gemma Moore shares reflections on her three years as a consultant on Esmée’s Involving Young People Collective, including what attracted her to her role, what she’s learned about youth power and lived experience, and what she’s gained from the experience.
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