We are excited to partner with UK-wide entrepreneurship programme, The Agency, on a new creative project with young people in Bolton.

We are looking for young people in Farnworth to take part in an exciting new co-design project that will see them lead on developing positive change and opportunities for their community.

We have been selected to deliver The Agency, a national creative entrepreneurship programme that empowers young people aged 15 to 25, to generate their own social change projects and become the change makers of their community.

The initiative is modelled on international practice, developed by social impact pioneer and theatre maker Marcus Faustini, who established the project in the favelas of Rio de Janeiro in 2011.

Commencing in September, Bolton is the latest UK town to take part in this initiative with previous successful projects with young people delivered in London, Manchester, Cardiff, Belfast, Southampton and most recently, Chester.

This project builds on our wider engagement programme for young people and families, connecting with local communities across Bolton and beyond, providing young people with creative and skill development opportunities.

We are looking for up to 15 passionate young people aged 15 to 25 who are based in or have a connection to Farnworth to take part and become an ‘agent of change’.

Sessions will commence in October and the project will be delivered in two phases. Those who are selected to be a part of the programme will be paid £45 a week to attend.

During the first phase of the project, ‘agents’ attend a 12-week programme where they are trained and supported in the Agency methodology to develop and design their own projects that they think their area needs. They will then ‘pitch’ their ideas to a panel of community stakeholders.

A number of these ideas will then be selected to receive £2000 of seed funding plus an additional 16 weeks of support to deliver the projects.

Children and Young People’s Lead, Leigh Hunter Dodsworth said: “We are so excited to be bringing The Agency to Bolton, which will be the first town to deliver this programme in the UK. We can’t wait to offer this amazing opportunity to young people in Farnworth who have ideas and desires about the changes they want to see locally”

Anyone who is interested in applying to take part in the project can fill out an expression of interest application by visiting: wearetheagency.co/bolton

Deadline to apply is 6pm on Wednesday 18 September, they will then be invited to attend an informal drop-in interview session.

Previous successful projects in the UK include a multi-sports programme, environmental initiative, young people’s mental health project, a platform to promote untapped music talent, exhibitions showcasing the power of young black women, work with those at risk of offending and tackling racism through shared cultural games.

In 2023, The Agency expanded its activity to partner sites across the UK starting with Belfast, Chester and Southampton, and now Bolton. Further support is needed from funders and the local communities to ensure the programme can be sustained in these communities beyond 2024/25.

Find out more about the our engagement work and other ways to get involved here.