Fuelled by ideas, fired by passion: Make a Change winners celebrated
Young people from across Telford and Wrekin were recognised for their creativity, passion and commitment to improving their communities at the Make a Change 2026 Celebration Event, held at Embers Café in Coalbrookdale on Wednesday 8 July.
Hosted by renowned live-fire chef and Embers’ owner Adam Purnell, the "Shropshire Lad", the event brought together young people, families, project leaders, councillors and partner organisations to celebrate a range of inspiring, youth-led projects that will make a positive difference across Telford and Wrekin.
Delivered by Telford & Wrekin Council, the Make a Change programme encourages young people to identify issues that matter to them and develop innovative ideas to improve their communities. As part of the programme, each winning project received £2,000 of Council funding to help turn its vision into reality, alongside ongoing support and guidance to bring the projects to life.
Guests heard presentations from five successful projects, each demonstrating the creativity, ambition and community spirit of young people from across the borough. From environmental initiatives and community events to wellbeing projects and cultural activities, the winning ideas will deliver lasting benefits for local people while giving young people the opportunity to lead positive change in their communities.
Councillor Paul Davis, Cabinet Member for Strong Communities, Local Pride and Veterans said: "The ideas presented this year have been truly inspiring. What stands out is that each project has been developed by young people who want to make a positive difference in their communities.
“From supporting the environment and improving well-being to bringing people together through sport and culture, these projects show what can be achieved when young people are given the opportunity to lead and shape local initiatives. It was fantastic to celebrate their achievements and recognise the hard work, enthusiasm and creativity that has gone into each project."
Adam Purnell added: "Having grown up in Telford and worked as a youth worker before becoming a chef, supporting young people has always been important to me.
“Make a Change is exactly the kind of programme that helps young people turn good ideas into something real and make a positive difference in their communities.
“I'm excited to continue supporting a previous winning project, by teaching and helping young people build confidence, develop new skills and see what's possible when you're passionate about something. It's inspiring to see so many young people stepping forward with ideas that will benefit others, and I'm proud that Embers can play a small part in supporting their journey."
The event concluded with a celebratory buffet and an opportunity for attendees to network, share ideas and reflect on the positive impact these projects will have in communities across the borough. Make a Change continues to empower young people to identify local issues, develop innovative solutions and take an active role in making Telford and Wrekin an even better place to live, work and grow up.
Inspiring Projects
The 6th Wellington Guides unveiled their Seed Bombs for All project, which aims to create thousands of seed bombs to help brighten local spaces, support pollinators and encourage biodiversity. The project also includes inspirational hopscotch-style pavement artwork designed to promote positivity and wellbeing.
The AFC Telford Foundation shared plans for a Youth-Led Summer Extravaganza, bringing together young people from football clubs and community youth groups for a day of sport, activities and community engagement. Young people have led the design of the event and will play a key role in its delivery.
Students from Telford Langley School presented their School Community Champions project, which will transform recycled plastic bottles into a greenhouse and sensory garden. The space will support learning, improve wellbeing, enhance biodiversity and provide a calming environment for students, particularly those with additional needs. Produce grown in the greenhouse will also contribute to a community pantry.
Culture Kind introduced its Community & Nature project, which combines environmental awareness with cultural learning. Young people will work alongside care home residents to share knowledge across generations while also promoting sustainability through cultural festivals, performances and community events.
Meanwhile, All Sports Coaching outlined plans for a Women's Health and Wellbeing Day, designed to celebrate International Women's Day and encourage women and girls to try new activities, access health information and connect with local support organisations.