Annual Review 2025/26

Learning from young people. Shaping what comes next.

On 5 October 2026, we brought young people, employers, community organisations and city partners together at AMT Headingley Stadium to reflect on another year of Inspiring Futures across Leeds and Bradford.

Young people’s voices were at the heart of the evening. Through personal stories and honest reflections, they shared their experiences, ambitions and the barriers they face in accessing meaningful employment. Alongside contributions from employers and partners, these stories helped us explore what is working, what needs to change and where we go next.

The evening highlighted the power of youth work, trusted relationships and working together to create opportunities. It also provided space to consider the wider employment landscape and our shared responsibility to improve the systems that shape young people’s futures.

Led by Hamara and funded by Youth Futures Foundation, Inspiring Futures continues to work with and for South Asian young people, ensuring their experiences inform the decisions that affect them.

A special thank you to Haris for bringing the evening to a powerful close with his spoken word performance.

Thank you to everyone who joined us, contributed and shared their story. Watch the video below for highlights from the evening.

Year 2 report

Discover more of Haris’s poetry and work

Photography credit: @bychardigital