The Newham Youth Partnership’s (NYP) youth leadership group, Future Light, is quickly becoming a driving force in Newham and beyond. With their insight and experience, they’ve become a sought-after youth voice across the borough, influencing local services and shaping wider neighbourhood strategy. With their work today, we see them building a legacy that will shape youth leadership groups for years to come.
Founded in 2020 through a research partnership with University College London, Future Light has evolved into a dynamic and credible collective of young leaders. The group collaborates with Fight for Peace Collective, the Newham Youth Partnership, a powerful network of organisations from across the borough, united in their mission to support children, young people, and families in Newham. Future Light is at the heart of this movement. They ensure that real community change is shaped by the people who live it and know it best.
While previous years have seen Future Light actively contribute to key initiatives, such as the Scrutiny Review to improve the lives of Newham’s young Black Men and Boys, they have recently been in great demand from other organisations. From local NYP partners like Shine to national organisations such as The Children’s Society, Future Light’s recent invitation to join a number of steering committees highlights just how vital youth voice has become.
Yet, these collaborations aren’t just a way for external organisations to collect data and move on – they’re also an excellent opportunity for youth leaders to strengthen their own skills. Future Light member Temmy reflected on how participation in workshops and “leading others” helped boost her confidence. She also emphasised the pride she felt – not just in her personal growth, but in the collective impact Future Light had on the community.
Josh Thomas, Newham Youth Partnership Manager, underscored this, “youth leadership builds resilience and strengthens patience. It empowers young people to be more independent, to know what they want and to speak up with confidence in spaces where their voices matter.”
For Josh, that resilience includes learning that change doesn’t happen overnight and that leadership is as much about the process as it is about outcomes. “Future Light is a whole learning process,” he explains, one that encourages young people to manage expectations, reflect, and grow.
Beyond this, Future Light member Shaika described how the group provides a “sense of purpose” while also serving as a source of inspiration for peers seeking a “place of guidance.” She noted that Future Light doesn’t just support young people in the present – it also offers valuable insight into young adulthood, helping prepare young people for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in their future careers.
As Future Light continues to expand its influence on a larger scale, it’s essential to reflect on the leaders of tomorrow and how much they value the opportunity to lead and be heard. These young leaders are showing Newham, and beyond, that when youth are supported, they rise.
The Newham Youth Partnership is a collaboration between organisations working with children, young people and families in Newham, working together to strengthen support for young people and increase youth safety in the borough. To get involved, contact Josh at josh@fightforpeace.net or visit the NYP website.
