Young Voices Drive Change in Coalville as “Powering On” Project Gains Momentum

Young Voices Drive Change in Coalville as “Powering On” Project Gains Momentum

Coalville, Leicestershire - A new collaboration between Leicestershire Cares and Coalville CAN is shining a spotlight on the lived experiences of young people in the town, revealing both the challenges they face and the untapped potential they hold.

The initiative, known as Powering On project, has spent the past 10 weeks embedded in the Coalville community, delivering outreach, creative programmes and youth-led research designed to amplify young voices and influence local decision-making.

A Different Kind of Youth Engagement

Rather than relying on traditional youth services, the Powering On team has taken an initiative-taking approach - meeting young people in shopping areas, community venues, and public spaces where they naturally gather.

Through activities like podcasting, music production and creative workshops, participants have been encouraged to share their experiences in their own words. These outputs are not just personal expressions but tools for change, feeding directly into conversations with councils, health services, and local leaders.

Coalville CAN at the Heart of the Community

At the centre of this work is Coalville CAN, a community-run hub in Memorial Square that has emerged as a vital safe space for young people.

Described by participants as “a space for people to come get support, advice and socialise,” the organisation plays multiple roles - from early intervention support to a platform for youth voice and a bridge to wider services.

The partnership between Coalville CAN and Leicestershire Cares has strengthened local capacity without duplicating existing provision, offering consistent outreach, conflict de-escalation, and structured activities, particularly during high-risk periods such as school holidays.

Key Issues Facing Young People

The project’s findings, drawn from outreach sessions, podcasts and community dialogue, paint a nuanced picture of life for young people in Coalville.

Housing Anxiety
Older participants expressed deep concern about housing affordability, often rating their anxiety at the highest level. Many reported limited understanding of mortgages, renting and financial systems, contributing to uncertainty about their future.

Mental Health Pressures
Younger participants highlighted anxiety linked to school environments. Some described being overwhelmed to the point where it affected their ability to learn, with inconsistent support from educational settings.

Lack of Affordable Activities
There is strong demand for creative and skill-based opportunities, particularly in music and the arts. However, cost remains a significant barrier, pushing many young people toward unstructured time in public spaces.

Rethinking Anti-Social Behaviour

The project also explored perceptions of anti-social behaviour (ASB) in the town centre, engaging with young people, parents, and local businesses.

Findings suggest that much of the behaviour is not rooted in criminal intent but in boredom, lack of alternatives and feeling displaced from public spaces.

Young people reported being “moved on rather than listened to,” while parents voiced safety concerns and frustration over limited provision. Businesses expressed mixed views, acknowledging both disruption and the complexity of the issue.

The conclusion is clear: preventative engagement and relationship-building are more effective than enforcement alone.

A Rural Challenge

Coalville serves as a hub for surrounding villages, many of which lack basic amenities such as shops, post offices, or youth clubs. This makes the town centre a natural gathering point - increasing visibility of young people and, at times, tension within the community.

Looking Ahead

The Powering On project has identified several priorities for local authorities and partners:

• Strengthening Coalville CAN as a central youth hub
• Expanding affordable, creative youth activities
• Embedding financial literacy and housing education
• Continuing preventative outreach work
• Improving mental health support in schools
• Extending provision into surrounding rural areas

A Generation Ready to Be Heard

Despite the challenges, the project highlights a hopeful narrative. Young people in Coalville demonstrated emotional awareness, creativity, and a powerful desire to contribute to their community.

The evidence suggests that when given the opportunity, they are not only willing to engage - but capable of shaping the solutions.

As the Powering On project continues, its message is clear: investing in youth voice and early intervention is not just beneficial - it is essential for building stronger, more connected communities.