Two people talking to each others

Registration for this online event will open soon.

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Who gets to shape decisions in your community, and who gets left out?

In these two connected Youth Connect Live sessions:

  • Interview with the speaker: Wednesday 13 May 2026, 12.00 to 12.30 (UK time)
  • Follow-up question and answer session: Wednesday 20 May 2026, 12.00 to 12.30 (UK time)

We will explore how community research can be a powerful tool for shifting power, amplifying underrepresented voices, and driving meaningful change. You’ll learn how to turn lived experience into evidence, ask better questions, and use research to influence the issues that matter most to you. Our speakers will share practical insights, real-world examples and tips to help young people lead change across the two sessions.

To help you prepare, here are some reflection prompts you may want to think about before joining. We would also love to hear your thoughts and questions – share them with us here. 

  • Think about your community (this could be your neighbourhood, university or an online space). What is one issue or challenge that you think isn’t being properly understood?
  • Whose voices are missing from conversations about this issue? And what difference do you think that makes?
  • Based on your own experience, what do you know or notice about this issue that others might not?
  • If you could ask people in your community 3 questions to better understand this issue, what would you ask?

About the panel

Miriam King is Co-Founder and Director of LIVING PROOF, a creative engagement studio that works with organisations to centre the voices of young people in decision-making. She is a researcher, facilitator and qualified youth worker with vast experience designing and delivering projects across the cultural, public and third sectors.

Miriam’s work focuses on using community research and creative methods to shift power, ensuring that young people are not just consulted, but actively shaping the systems and services that affect their lives. Through LIVING PROOF, she has worked with organisations including the Mayor of London’s Violence Reduction Unit, British Council, National Trust, Youth Endowment Fund and Creative Ireland.

Alongside her practice, Miriam is passionate about creating pathways into the creative and cultural industries for young people and supporting the next generation of leaders to turn lived experience into meaningful change.

Btonia Hameed is a youth leader, content creator, and community advocate from Kurdistan, Iraq. She holds a degree in English Language from the Catholic University in Erbil and works as a Student Life Office Assistant, where she helps organise student activities, events, workshops, and success‑story features for the university website.

Living with dwarfism, Btonia continues to pursue her goals with determination. She has participated in awareness campaigns and spoken at conferences to highlight the experiences of people with disabilities. She also creates engaging English‑learning content on Instagram at @english_with_btonia.

Btonia previously volunteered with the Youth Connect Project funded by the British Council, contributing to community research, conference organisation, and awareness‑raising initiatives—particularly on unemployment and drug‑related issues. Her work reflects a strong commitment to inclusion, education, and positive social change.

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