Young people and local businesses come together to lead sustainable change.
The Leading Change Sustainability Campaign Programme is launching once again across West Cumbria, with 10 education groups and 22 volunteer mentors working together to place sustainability, leadership and community action at the heart of education.
The programme is delivered by the Centre for Leadership Performance (CforLP), a not‑for‑profit organisation developing Cumbria’s leaders for today and tomorrow. Designed in 2021, Leading Change supports young people to develop leadership skills, have their voices heard on issues that matter most to them and drive positive change in their schools and local communities.
Funded through Sellafield Ltd’s SIX (Social Impact multiplied), the 12‑week initiative builds on the success of the past three years and continues to empower young people to design and deliver sustainability campaigns aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Anna Pollard, Sustainability Integration Manager at Sellafield Ltd, said “This programme enables young people to take real ownership of the sustainability challenges which are important to them, working together with confidence, creativity and purpose to turn global goals into local action. Supported by business mentors, they will get the opportunity to bring their solutions to life in a way which not only benefits their schools and communities, but also develops their teamwork, communication and leadership skills.”
Participating Education Groups
The 2026 programme launches with 10 education groups from across West Cumbria:
Students from Year 7 through to Year 13, including SEND and college learners, are taking part, with education providers selecting groups who will benefit most from this leadership opportunity.
Strong Mentor Commitment from Local Employers
A defining feature of the Leading Change programme is the support of local employers and professionals who volunteer as mentors. This year, 22 mentors are taking part from:
Feedback from mentors highlights a strong commitment to giving back to the local community, supporting young people and sharing professional knowledge and experience. Many mentors have signed up to better understand the challenges facing young people today, while also developing their own leadership skills and supporting the social value commitments of their organisations.
The majority of mentors joined the programme through word of mouth and colleague recommendations, with several returning after positive experiences in previous years — underlining the value and impact of the programme for both businesses and individuals.
Real‑World Learning and Funding
Each participating group receives £100 seed funding to develop their campaign ideas. Midway through the programme, students pitch their plans to Sellafield Ltd and key partners, with successful groups securing a further £900 to implement their sustainability projects.
Working closely with their mentors, students are encouraged to approach their campaign like a business — considering finance, marketing, project management and impact — while gaining exposure to local sustainability experts and career pathways.
Empowering Young Leaders
Weekly updates, shared learning between schools, and collaboration across sectors help students build confidence, creativity and leadership skills. The programme will conclude with a celebration event, bringing together students, mentors, schools and partners to showcase achievements and reflect on learning.
Led by young people and supported by education and industry, the Leading Change Sustainability Campaign Programme continues to provide a powerful platform for youth voice, real‑world learning, and long‑lasting positive change in West Cumbria’s communities.
