FULL PODCAST SERIES READY TO WATCH AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS ENJOY
Powering On: Youth Outreach in Wigston
Leicestershire Cares’ Powering On project has been making an impact in Wigston through an eight-week outreach programme, aimed at tackling anti-social behaviour and giving young people opportunities to learn, grow, and be heard.
Building Connections
The programme began with youth workers and community officers hitting the streets to connect with young people directly. Conversations highlighted local challenges while encouraging participation in positive activities.
Finding a Voice - Under the Bus Podcast
From week two, the project took root at the LSFB Community Hub, where curious young people co-created an all-female podcast, Under the Bus. The podcast became a platform for open, honest conversations about issues affecting young people, while also helping them develop skills in teamwork, confidence, and communication.
Episodes covered:
Women’s Football - exploring inequality, stereotypes, and lack of media exposure, while celebrating role models such as Lucy Bronze and Hannah Hampton.
Fear, Judgement & Safety - discussing everyday challenges facing women and girls, from harassment and beauty standards to online exploitation.
Preparation for Adulthood - reflecting on independence, financial literacy, and the pressures facing young people today.
Final Episode with Megan Spinks - featuring the former Leicester City footballer discussing barriers in women’s sport, pay gaps, LGBTQ+ representation, and resilience.
Beyond the Podcast
Week six saw a joint seaside trip to Skegness with the All Together Now project, strengthening friendships through team-building games, shared meals, and plenty of laughter.
Lasting Impact
Across the eight weeks, Powering On gave young people in Wigston more than just activities - it offered them belonging, new skills, and a safe space to express themselves. From street outreach to podcasting and community trips, the programme highlighted how positive engagement can reduce anti-social behaviour while empowering young people to thrive.
Outcomes
Hard Outcomes
- Five young people regularly engaged in structured activities across the programme.
- Four podcast episodes were produced and published, including a guest feature with Megan Sphinx.
- One community day trip delivered in partnership with All Together Now, involving 8 young people.
- Consistent weekly engagement, with attendance increasing by 30% from week one to week eight.
Soft Outcomes
- Confidence: Participants reported feeling more confident speaking in front of others by the end of the programme.
- Communication skills: All podcast participants gained experience in planning, interviewing, and presenting.
- Sense of belonging: Participants said they felt more connected to their peers and community.
- Awareness: Participants demonstrated increased understanding of social issues such as gender inequality, safety, and financial literacy.
- Resilience: Young people shared that having a “safe space to talk” helped them cope better with stress and societal pressures.
J - We were talking all week about we need to try and do our own podcast and the then out of nowhere Leicestershire cares turn up and we get to do our podcast idea and they have supported throughout and to be honest they have inspired me to do more.
Special thanks LSFB community hub and to the National lottery community fund for their continued support and everyone involved in the project.
Written by Aaron Todd Youth & community development officer.