In this episode of the What Really Matters podcast, we sit down with Kayleigh Wainwright — a passionate youth worker, sector leader, and Director of Youth Innovation at UK Youth – to explore her journey from a council estate in Blackburn to leading national programmes that support grassroots organisations and amplify young people’s voices. Kayleigh reflects on the personal experiences that shaped her, the critical role of youth work in her own development, and the urgent need to invest in a sector facing serious challenges. We explore:
- How youth work helped Kayleigh navigate a difficult move as a teenager — and gave her the confidence to lead.
- The golden era of youth services, and how cuts have reshaped the landscape for young people and practitioners.
- Why meaningful youth work can’t be delivered through short-term, target-driven programmes alone.
- The need for diverse pathways, long-term investment, and a workforce strategy to rebuild the sector.
- What UK Youth is doing to support young leaders, youth workers, and community organisations across the UK.
📢 A powerful and honest conversation about access, opportunity, and why trusting young people with real responsibility makes all the difference. 🎙️ Want to have your say on What Really Matters to you? Contact Ben Carpenter at info@grassrootcommunities.org. 👉 Subscribe for more inspiring conversations amplifying young people’s voices and creating a platform for real change. 💰 If you’d like to explore sponsoring the What Really Matters podcast, please get in touch. Learning from the past and present to help inform a brighter future — What Really Matters ❤️