YOUNG PLACEMAKERS
Delivered as part of the YouCAN partnership and funded by the National Lottery Community Fund, Southampton National Park City developed this programme to inspire, upskill, and resource Southampton’s young and emerging community leaders to become change agents in their local neighbourhoods. Project recruitment took place early 2025, with projects being developed between 2025 and 2026. Projects were completed by August 2026.
What is a 'placemaker'?
Placemaking refers to practices that build good quality, restorative and equitable places for us to live, work and play. This encompasses thinking and acting simultaneously on behalf of local human communities, but also local nature and biodiversity, understanding that all our needs are deeply aligned. Placemakers actively engage in these practices, focus on creating environments, cultures and opportunities that foster community, well-being, and sustainability. By reimagining and revitalizing spaces, they help create more inclusive, green, and resilient communities. In essence, placemakers are changemakers, dedicated to making our cities and neighbourhoods more liveable and rooted within nature.
What did the programme involve?
Supported by local campaigners, organisers, activists and more, participants received support and funding to develop and deliver small local projects with and for their community. Young Placemakers could choose projects focused on enhancing urban green spaces, promoting biodiversity, nature connection, tackling socio-environmental injustices, and addressing the pressing challenges posed by climate change.
See below to see the outcomes from the Young Placemakers project - this page is still in development so more information on projects will be updated soon.
the projects
Guardians of the river itchen
Support Young PLacemakers
At Southampton National Park City, we would like to continue linking young people to opportunities to become placemakers.
And as powerful as placemakers are, the best placemaking happens collaboratively, when all corners of communities can come together to transform our shared spaces.
You might be a local business owner, able to offer charitable discounts on goods or services that might be useful in, say, establishing new community gardens. You may have volunteering days available, and able to lend a hand. Do you have specific trade or other skills, and willing to facilitate an exchange with young people wanting to make a difference in their communities?
We welcome any and all ideas and offers. Please do get in touch with us at southampton@nationalparkcity.org to discuss.