You Be You works with schools, young people and communities across London, Birmingham and Bradford, building confidence, identity and belonging through arts, youth voice and EDI programmes. Founded in Lambeth in 2019.

We exist because every child and young person deserves to feel seen, and to know their voice belongs in every room.

We run two programmes rooted in that belief.

For young people aged 14–25, we deliver an eight week programme building confidence, leadership, public speaking and EDI skills, culminating in real presentations to employers and professionals. Young people don’t just learn about diversity, they become the experts. They co-design EDI training and deliver it directly to businesses. They leave with language for their experience, community in their difference, and career skills employers are actively looking for.

For primary pupils, we deliver arts based learning, by using South Asian art, storytelling, music and dance to celebrate identity and embed cultural representation in the curriculum. From Warli storytelling to Bhangra dance, every child leaves having made something they’re proud of. In 2024–25, pupil satisfaction ran at 89–99% across all partner schools.

Art builds life skills. So does finding your voice. Both programmes share the same foundation: life skills, identity, community and heritage.

Since 2019, thousands of children, young people and families have been part of this. Because when young people know their voice matters, everything changes.

Written for The Times, WISE award four years straight, Wise finalist 2026 (for Pioneering Woman).