Shape Young LDN Collective
Your London. Your ideas.
Shape Young LDN Collective is a new paid programme from the Mayor of London, bringing together up to 15 people aged 16–21 from across the city.
We want you to share your ideas, challenge thinking and help shape policy, spaces and opportunities.
You don’t need experience. You don’t need to be an “expert”. You just need to know what it’s like to be a young person in London and have experience of a youth club or youth provision.
Act fast, applications close on 8th September*
Want more info?
So, what would I actually be doing?
Shape Young LDN Collective will be made up of 15 young people from across London.
The programme will need you for about 8-10 hours per month - which would be split between weekend and evening activities. The idea is that it fits around you - whether you’re in school, college, work or looking for your next thing. You’ll be paid for your contributions to the programme. You’ll get the chance to:
Have your say
Tell us what young people actually want and need from youth spaces.
Influence things that matter to young people
Help influence everything from activities and spaces to how the programme talks to young people.
See how London works
Meet people making decisions across London and find out how ideas become reality.
Build your skills
Develop confidence, communication, teamwork and leadership skills – without sitting in a classroom all day.
Meet new people
Join other young Londoners, meet people from different industries and communities and build your network.
Get access to new experiences
Expect workshops, visits, behind the scenes opportunities and experiences around London.
And yes – you’ll be paid.
Your time and ideas matter. You’ll receive payment for taking part, and support with travel and accessibility costs so money shouldn't be a barrier to getting involved.
Payment: Up to £150 per month depending on how much you participate in what’s on offer.
Is this for me?
You should think about applying if:
- You’re 16–21 years old
- You live in London
- You go to a youth club, youth centre, community space or other youth provision (or have done in the past)
- You’ve got opinions about what young people in London really need
- You’re curious, open minded and happy to work with other people
- You can commit to taking part throughout the programme
You do NOT need previous leadership experience, amazing grades or a perfect CV.
Your ideas, experiences and potential, rather than qualifications or previous leadership experience is most important.
We want a group with different personalities, backgrounds and experiences from across London – not a group of young people who all think, sound or act the same.
What happens if I get a place?
First, you'll meet everyone else.
Shape Young LDN Collective starts with a kick off day (date to be confirmed) where you’ll meet the other young people, get to know each other and launch the programme.
Then, you'll get stuck in.
You’ll take part in workshops, coaching, visits, experiences and real opportunities.
Most activity will happen during evenings and weekends, so it can fit around school, college or work. The current programme design anticipates around 8–10 hours a month.
And you'll have support along the way.
You'll have a dedicated Programme Manager and regular check-ins throughout the programme. If you have accessibility or other support needs, we’ll talk to you about what would make taking part work for you.
So, what’s in it for me?
This programme is being created for people aged 16-21 in London. So you should help shape it! Your ideas and a chance to shape something that could reach young people across the whole city.
- You’ll get paid.
- Build leadership skills.
- Meet people your age interested in the things you are.
- Be an important voice across London’s youth scene.
- Open new doors to people and jobs you never knew existed.
Interested?
Applications close: 8th September 2026
Programme starts: October 2026
Got a question about applying or not sure if it’s for you? Email Alex@livity.co.uk – we’re happy to help.
We’re working with Livity, a youth focused organisation, to run the programme and support you throughout the experience.
FAQs
What counts as “youth provision”?
Don't get too hung up on the wording.
It could be a youth club, youth centre, community organisation, youth programme, support service or another space or organisation you've been involved with as a young person.
If you're unsure whether your experience counts, apply anyway.
Do I need any experience or qualifications?
No.
We're not looking for the most polished CV or people who already call themselves leaders.
We're interested in your perspective, your ideas, your curiosity and what you could bring to the group. That's also why the application focuses on motivation and willingness to contribute rather than qualifications.
Do I get paid?
Yes. You'll be paid for taking part in the programme.
Travel and agreed accessibility/participation support will also be provided.
How much time will it take?
Expect roughly 8–10 hours per month, although some months may look slightly different depending on what's happening.
Activities will mainly happen during evenings and weekends so that the programme can work alongside school, college, work and other commitments.
How long does the programme last?
The programme runs across the year, beginning with onboarding and a residential before moving into regular activities, learning and opportunities to influence funding late-night youth clubs in every borough.
We’re hoping to kick things off in October. Don’t worry about having all the dates now – we’ll keep you updated throughout the process, so you’ll know what’s happening and when.
What if I have a disability or accessibility requirement?
Please apply. We want the programme to be accessible and will talk to you about any support or adjustments that would help you participate fully.
Support can include accessible venues, reasonable adjustments, alternative ways of participating and travel/access support.
Will this help me with my future?
That's one of the aims.
You'll build skills in areas like confidence, communication, teamwork, decision-making and leadership. You'll also meet people from London's cultural, community, business and civic worlds and build new connections.
This is something to help you in your future, and you'll be helping influence a real programme for young Londoners.
Who is delivering the programme?
The programme is being funded by the Mayor of London and delivered by Livity, an organisation with over 25 years’ experience working with young people and delivering youth leadership and development programmes.
Livity will manage the programme day-to-day, with a dedicated Programme Manager supporting participants and acting as a key point of contact for young people, parents and carers.
The programme will also involve specialist partners providing leadership training, coaching and personal development support throughout the experience
Do I need permission?
Participants who are under 18 will need parent or guardian consent at the interview stage.
If you are offered a place, the programme team will engage directly with parents/carers before the programme begins.
What support will I receive?
Participants will have a dedicated Programme Manager, regular check-ins and coaching throughout the programme.
Accessibility, wellbeing and participation needs will also be discussed during onboarding so that appropriate support can be put in place early.
