This series explores the stories of young Agents aged 15-25 who have shaped The Agency's work in the UK. Each episode features meaningful discussions that reveal their unique experiences and insights as they make a difference in their communities.
From grassroots efforts to creative projects, these Agents share their journeys of resilience, creativity, and social change. Marcus Faustini, the founder of The Agency, adds his perspective, sharing reflections on his experience and the organization's mission, emphasizing the importance of community engagement.
Join us to discover the paths of these young leaders and the lessons they've learned. Each episode aims to inspire and show the impact of youth activism and its potential to create change in every community while highlighting the remarkable individuals advancing The Agency's vision.
Overcoming Barriers with Creativity in Chester (Part 1)
Digital Storyteller Max chatted with Agents Ethan and Tyler from Lache in Chester, creators of The Storyteller and Food Communita respectively. Manchester Correspondent Diana interviewed Mary and Melissa, Agents who founded MASK and Inner Canvas respectively. Their projects have been funded by The Agency Chester (Storyhouse), who supported them to deliver a pilot of their projects in Lache.
The Storyteller invited 55 children to use books to learn of social issues like individuality and cultural connection, inspired by Ethan’s background as a queer immigrant. With help from Agent Nancy, Ethan built a welcoming community among families in Lache with activities like robot building and nature-inspired craft.
Food Communita recreated the warm family dinner vibe Tyler felt was important, especially among high-school-aged children. With the help of Agents Cian and Herbert, young people enjoyed free meals together, along with activities like stress ball making. Guest speakers not only supported their mental wellbeing but also helped strengthened their bonds with each other.
17 Aug 2026
Overcoming Barriers with Creativity in Chester (Part 2)
Digital Storyteller Max was joined by Agents Magenta and Lily, young changemakers behind Pop Up Cinema Lache and Study Sphere. Their projects have been funded by The Agency Chester (Storyhouse), who supported them to deliver a pilot of their projects in Lache.
Pop Up Cinema Lache is an opportunity for families to have a fun experience at their doorsteps. Magenta achieved this with a free cinema event, screening movies like ‘Back to the Future’ and presenting creative activities like a Lache Time Capsule have people join as a community and enjoy themselves.
Lily’s Study Sphere is a sociable resource for GCSE students to study in a setting that engages them, all while being provided free materials to help their revision. Lily’s goal was to give young people equal opportunity; to achieve great success in exams and have a chance to excel beyond them.
10 Aug 2026
Building Community Change in Manchester (Part 2)
Manchester Correspondent Diana interviewed Mary and Melissa, Agents who founded MASK and Inner Canvas respectively. Their projects have been funded by The Agency Manchester (Contact), who supported them to deliver a pilot of their projects in Moston and Harpurhey.
MASK promotes upcycling in a responsible and environmentally friendly way through in-person and online sessions. Mary felt young people aged 15-19 lacked opportunities to learn skills in personalising clothes for themselves, which could give them a second life, save costs and minimise waste.
Melissa’s Inner Canvas brings young girls together in a mental health space that engages them creatively, so they have a structure to meet likeminded people and form lasting connections. Participants could feel at ease in a space where they could reflect and find confidence engaging with others.
3 Aug 2026
Building Community Change in Manchester (Part 1)
Manchester Correspondent Diana spoke with Agents Kelisha and Christian, respective founders of Diary of Freedom and No Blade. Their projects have been funded by The Agency Manchester (Contact), who supported them to deliver a pilot of their projects in Moston and Harpurhey.
Diary of Freedom is Kelisha’s brainchild, an interactive book following the journey of a girl in search of her identity. The goal was to help girls in high school find their sense of self through creativity, without feeling they had to compromise who they are just to fit into social groups.
No Blade educates people around knife crime through workshops in Manchester Youth Zone. Christian was determined to do his part in making the streets safer and reduce knife attacks by drawing more attention to it among fellow youths.
Listen to Part 2 of the episode if you haven't already.
18 Mar 2026
The Power of Youth Leadership
What does it mean to give young people agency and power to lead? In this roundtable, Andrew, The Agency National Manager, sits down with Alex Holmes OBE and Agency Alumni Henri, and Samuel from Young Manchester to discuss the power of youth leadership. Sharing first-hand experience in youth advocacy and community work, the panel unpacks how organisations can embed youth voices at their core and build a culture that enables youth leadership.
11 Dec 2024
Cultivating Environmental Change with Eco Kids
Agents Max and Mark are joined by Yulu, creator of Eco Kids, an environmental movement aimed towards the youth. Tune in as Yulu shares how she found her desire to care for environment, art, and people, as well as finding her bravery to make a difference at a young age. The time is now! Learn more of Yulu’s Agency work at https://wearetheagency.co/southampton (https://wearetheagency.co/southampton)
28 Nov 2024
Amplifying Youth Voices
Agent Max chats with Samuel, mastermind of The Agency project Amplify, for young artists pursuing their passion for music. Now CEO of Young Manchester charity, Samuel divulges a love of sports and his journey to help young people lead purposeful lives. Keep up with Samuel's work with Young Manchester at http://youngmanchester.org and other endeavors at bio.site/samuelremiakinwale
13 Nov 2024
Unleashing the Potential of Young Minds
Agents Max and Mark speak with Farhad, founder of Potential, a mentoring project for young people to use the skills acquired on the streets to build legitimate businesses. Get to know Farhad’s love of business, how hardships involving a friend led to the genesis of his work, and how he continues to guide young people and expand his project. Check in on Farhad’s inspirational efforts www.potentialmcr.co.uk
7 Nov 2024
Inspiring Young People to Make Change
In this majestic latest episode, Agents Max and Farhad are graced by royalty. The one who founded the Agency, artist, theatre maker and cultural activist from Rio de Jenero, it's Marcus Faustini. Tune in as Faustini expresses the inspiration for creating the Agency, with his methodology of using art to inspire young people to make change. It's a process he has dedicated over thirty-five years of his life towards. Find out our one-of-a-kind Mr. Faustini marcus.faustini on Instagram.
31 Oct 2024
Life is What U Make It
Agent Max is aided by the fantastic agent Mark while interviewing Osmond, developer of the board game Life is What U Make It, for lost young people to understand consequences. Inspired by this childhood board games memories. Osmond delves right into his drive for showing youth resilience, to see their importance and change their narratives. Game on!
31 Oct 2024
Bringing People Together with Kulture Fest
Insightful hosts agent Max and agent Mark glimpse into the world of Kulture Fest, pioneered by Dorcas, with the aim of bringing people together while enjoying food, workshops and live performances. Dorcas recalls the struggles of planning an event, relying on others as she goes along, and her fiery ambition to make Kulture Fest a nationwide festival. Brush up on Kulture Fest via kulturefestmcr_ on Instagram.
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