Young People, Big Society

At the heart of the Anatomy of Youth, the report by Vinspired and Demos, is a set of youth portraits that provide a snapshot of how young people are addressing the challenges facing their generation. This report emphasizes volunteering for young people, showcasing their efforts as they take on issues from digital identity to climate change.

In his foreword, David Willetts, recently appointed Minister for Universities and Science, praised the publication for offering a fresh perspective on today’s youth. His endorsement is particularly notable given his own work exploring intergenerational relationships, highlighting the importance of youth involvement in societal development.

Coinciding with the launch of Anatomy of Youth, Vinspired’s advisory board, v20, shared their insights on the report’s key themes, including digital identity, effective citizens, new families, changing communities, and climate change.

Vinspired is proud to advocate for young volunteers and collaborates with numerous organizations to support their initiatives. An exemplary partner is ITV Fixers, which empowers young people, aged 16 to 25, to tackle issues that matter to them with practical help. This initiative not only highlights the creativity and innovation of youth but also their commitment to health & well-being and civic engagement.

ITV Fixers, managed by the Public Service Broadcasting Trust with support from Vinspired’s Match Fund, enables young people to voice their concerns through platforms like ITV’s regional news and online channels. Over 11 hours of programming have broadcasted their projects, effectively challenging negative stereotypes about youth and promoting positive contributions, particularly among those new to volunteering or from disadvantaged backgrounds.

For more stories of young people making a difference, explore these articles: Young people, big society, A new anatomy of youth, Anatomy of Youth: Owning a Digital Identity – the v20 cyberteam’s take, and The Anatomy Of Youth: Effective Citizens.