The Agency of Change, which works with 15 to 25-year-olds from underserved communities, is celebrating 13 years of work supporting young people to create projects aimed at improving their local areas.
Over the past decade, the organisation has reached more than 41,000 people across the UK, worked with more than 900 young people and helped launch over 250 youth-led social enterprise projects.
In Bolton, The Agency works alongside the Octagon Theatre and is currently supporting several community-led initiatives developed by young people themselves.
These include Project Breakout, which recreates online games as real-life tournaments to reduce social isolation, and Manny Cutz, which teaches barbering skills to help young people build confidence and employment opportunities.
Other projects include No Blade, which delivers workshops aimed at preventing knife crime, and Newlight Networks, a youth group supporting teenagers coping with addiction while creating a public mural for the community.
The organisation has now become an independent charity, with former participants — known as “Agents” — helping to lead the organisation as trustees.
Cultural leader and author Saad Eddine Said has also been appointed as the new Chair of the Board.
![]()
Saad Eddine Said, chair of trustees (Image: OVOGALLERY)
Mr Said said: “Over the past decade, the Agency of Change has shown what happens when young people are trusted with real responsibility and supported to lead.
“The task ahead is to ensure young people’s voices and decision-making become part of the cultural infrastructure of our towns and cities.
“In 13 years’ time, we should see alumni shaping policy, leading institutions and mentoring the next generation.”
![]()
Agents talking about their ideas (Image: OVOGALLERY)
Former participant and now trustee Henrietta Imoreh said the programme had transformed her confidence and future.
She said: “Receiving funding and support gave me power for the first time — the power over my story, my project and how I wanted to create change.
“I’m now proud to serve as a trustee, helping to ensure other young people have the same chance to shape their futures and create change.”
The Agency model was originally developed in the favelas of Rio de Janeiro by Brazilian theatre-maker and activist Marcus Faustini, before being brought to the UK through partnerships with Battersea Arts Centre, Contact in Manchester and People’s Palace Projects at Queen Mary University of London.
Mr Faustini said: “The Agency was born from a belief that young people are not problems to be solved but creators of new futures.
“Seeing my idea travel across countries and cultures, and now stand as an independent movement in the UK, is a powerful reminder that creativity and courage can transform communities anywhere.”
The organisation has also recently expanded internationally, helping launch a new programme in Colima, Mexico, where young people are developing projects focused on women’s empowerment, peace-building and preserving cultural heritage.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login