Future Voices: A Summer Podcast Project Giving Young People Space to Be Heard

This summer, Inclusive Change At Work CIC is launching something exciting, and we’re inviting young people across South Gloucestershire to take part.

In partnership with Emersons Green Village Hall and proudly funded by Emersons Green Town Council, we're delivering Future Voices: Careers & Community, a youth-led podcast series that gives young people a platform to explore careers, share personal stories, and connect with their local community.

But this is more than just a podcast project. It’s an opportunity to gain experience, grow confidence, and be part of something inclusive, creative, and community-focused.

What is Future Voices?

Future Voices is a free, summer-based project where up to ten young people (aged 16-24) will come together to plan, produce, and publish podcast episodes. These sessions will take place at Emersons Green Village Hall, where participants will work with our mobile podcast studio to record conversations with local businesses, changemakers, and community members of Emersons Green. 

Through four workshop days, they’ll explore questions like:

• What does a creative career really look like?

• What support do young people need in work, education, or community spaces?

• How are young people shaping the future of places like Emersons Green?

The final podcast episodes will be shared on streaming platforms and made available to the wider community, amplifying youth perspectives and raising awareness around inclusion, employment, and ambition.

Who Is It For?

This project is open to all young people aged 16–24 living in South Gloucestershire, whether you’re in sixth form, recently left school, in college, or unsure about your next steps.

You don’t need to have experience in media or podcasting. You don’t need to be confident or outgoing. You just need to be interested in exploring your ideas, trying something creative, and being part of a friendly team.

Future Voices has been designed to be inclusive and neurodivergent-friendly, with experienced facilitators who will provide individualised support. We’re proud to offer a space where different communication styles, learning needs, and strengths are not just accepted - but celebrated.

What Is Neurodiversity and Why Does It Matter?

Neurodiversity refers to the natural variation in how people think, process information, and interact with the world. It includes autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, and other differences that affect learning, communication, or attention.

At Inclusive Change at Work, we believe neurodivergent people bring valuable perspectives, and that inclusive design benefits everyone. Future Voices is built on these principles: flexibility, creativity, collaboration, and support.

Whether a participant identifies as neurodivergent or not, they’ll be part of a team that encourages understanding, awareness, and community inclusion.

Key Dates and Details

• Register your interest by: Friday 5th July

• Informal chats and project matching: 7th-16th July

• Workshop sessions: 30th July, 6th August, 15th August, 20th August

• Location: Emersons Green Village Hall (Willow Room)

• Cost: Free to attend

Why Get Involved?

Participants will:

• Learn hands-on digital and media skills

• Interview real people and shape authentic stories

• Receive credit as podcast contributors

• Build communication, teamwork, and confidence

• Gain experience to boost CVs, portfolios, and future opportunities

They’ll also be part of a project that gives voice to young people in Emersons Green, helping them shape the stories told about their community.

How to Take Part

Young people can register their interest online at:
https://icaw-cic.com/future-voices-at-emersons-green

We’ll follow up with an informal chat to get to know them, understand their interests and access needs, and make sure the project is a good fit.

If you're a parent, teacher, youth worker or local employer, we encourage you to share this opportunity and help us reach the young people who could benefit from being involved.

Final Thoughts

Future Voices isn’t just about creating a podcast,  it’s about making space. Space for young people to lead, to express themselves, and to connect with others in a meaningful way.

We believe that when young people are given tools, trust, and time, they can create something powerful. If you believe that too, please spread the word, and help us bring Future Voices to life.

For any questions or to talk to the team, contact: [email protected]

Let’s invest in young people’s stories this summer, and in the future of our community.