Youth voice isn’t just important — it’s essential
At the launch of the Birmingham Community Anchor Network (B:CAN) and proud that Our Community Foundation (OCF.) are part of a powerful coalition of 22 community-rooted organisations supporting residents across our wonderful city.
Zain Khan, an award-winning Youth Mentor at OCF, shared his powerful journey to over 150 people in the audience including the Leader of Birmingham City Council, Councillor John Cotton along with other Industry Leaders, stakeholders, commissioners, funders, charities, social enterprises and community organisations.
From dropping out of college to completing an apprenticeship, securing full-time employment with OCF, and now stepping into his new role as Youth Development Officer, Zain now works with a team engaging over 200 young people weekly through sports, mentoring, employment and skills support, and youth-led social action.
Zain’s story is not just inspiring — it’s a testament to what’s possible when young people are at the heart of our work.
There was no better way to kick off B:CAN — a network built on community leadership — than by placing youth voice front and centre.
Young people like Zain aren’t just the future — they’re shaping our communities right now.
Let’s keep listening. Let’s keep investing. Let’s keep building with them.
#bcan #bcanlaunch #birminghamcan
#YouthVoice #CommunityLed #GameChangers