Get inspired to make change

Greta Thunberg

Person of the Year, TIME magazine October 2019

Greta’s peaceful protests inspired a worldwide youth movement, got politicians to engage with climate change issues, and improved public awareness. Her impact has been called the ‘Greta effect.’

It’s quite hilarious when the only thing people can do is mock you, or talk about your appearance or personality, as it means they have no argument or nothing else to say.

Greta Thunberg

Marcus Rashford

Glamour Award for Game Changing Man 2021

Marcus’ highest profile impact was influencing the government to change its policy and extend free school meals for children. By doing this he also raised the profile of the issue in the media and with the general public, leading to a national conversation about food poverty.

Dream big and work harder than anyone else to achieve it.

Marcus Rashford

Sir Ian McKellen

Actor and LGBTQ+ campaigner

One of the founders of Stonewall, Sir Ian worked to lobby the UK Parliament to reform equality law. As one of the most high-profile publicly gay actors, he has also inspired generations after him to be out and proud.

It’s only fair that stable gay relationships of long standing should have the same rights and responsibilities as married couples.

Sir Ian McKellen

Carol Vorderman

Welsh broadcaster and writer

Carol has been critical of all three major parties and in 2022 she was called “the real leader of the opposition” after criticising members of the government for exploiting their positions for personal gain.

I’ll be using my voice to cause a commotion and I’ll hold the corrupt to account without fear or favour.

Carol Vorderman

Angel Ezeadum

Angel used her platform to make impactful contributions to the Welsh Youth Parliament’s proceedings and call for Black and People of Colour’s histories to be a mandatory part of Wales’ new school curriculum.

From a young person’s point of view, we need information directly to us rather than us being cast aside or perhaps it being filtered.

Angel Ezeadum

Changemakers in action

A force for environmental activism

At just 18 years old, Greta Thunberg has become a global icon for climate activism. Born in Sweden in 2003, Greta first gained international attention in 2018 when, at the age of 15, she started skipping school to protest outside the Swedish Parliament, demanding stronger action against climate change. Her solitary strike quickly evolved into the Fridays for Future movement, inspiring millions of students worldwide to join her in weekly climate strikes.

Greta’s unwavering dedication to raising awareness about the urgent need for climate action has earned her numerous accolades and honours, including being named Time magazine’s Person of the Year in 2019. Despite facing criticism and backlash from some quarters, she remains resolute in her mission to hold governments and corporations accountable for their role in exacerbating the climate crisis.

Greta’s speeches at international forums, including the United Nations Climate Action Summit, have captivated audiences and spurred leaders into action. Her straightforward yet powerful messages resonate with people of all ages, urging them to recognise the gravity of the climate emergency and take meaningful steps to address it. As Greta Thunberg continues to advocate for climate justice, her impact reverberates globally, reminding us all of the crucial role each individual plays in safeguarding the planet for future generations.

Childhood nutrition champion

Marcus Rashford, the Manchester United and England football star, has transcended the boundaries of the football pitch to become a leading advocate for childhood nutrition in the UK. Born and raised in Wythenshawe, Manchester, Marcus has drawn from his own experiences growing up in a low-income household to passionately campaign for free school meals for children from disadvantaged backgrounds.

In June 2020, Marcus successfully pressured the UK government to extend its free school meals program over the summer holidays, ensuring vulnerable children continued to receive essential nutrition support during the COVID-19 pandemic. His relentless advocacy efforts have shed light on the issue of food poverty and prompted a national conversation about the importance of addressing systemic inequalities.

Dream big and work harder than anyone else to achieve it.

Marcus’s dedication to tackling child hunger has earned him widespread praise and recognition, including an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) for his services to vulnerable children during the pandemic. Despite facing criticism and setbacks along the way, Marcus Rashford remains steadfast in his commitment to levelling the playing field for all children, regardless of their socio-economic background.

Through his influential platform and tireless activism, Marcus Rashford has not only transformed the lives of countless children but has also inspired a wave of solidarity and compassion across the UK and beyond.

Prejudice shall not pass

Sir Ian McKellen, renowned actor of stage and screen, is as much celebrated for his illustrious career as he is for his unwavering advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights. As one of the most prominent openly gay public figures, Ian has fearlessly used his platform to champion equality, visibility, and acceptance for the LGBTQ+ community.

Ian’s activism traces back to the 1980s when he publicly came out as gay, becoming one of the first high-profile actors to do so. Since then, he has been a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, campaigning tirelessly for legal reforms and societal acceptance. His efforts have ranged from participating in protests and Pride events to delivering impassioned speeches and lobbying politicians.

It’s only fair that stable gay relationships of long standing should have the same rights and responsibilities as married couples.

One of Ian’s most notable contributions to the cause was his involvement in the campaign to repeal Section 28, a controversial law in the UK that prohibited the “promotion” of homosexuality in schools. His advocacy played a pivotal role in raising awareness and ultimately overturning the discriminatory legislation in 2003.

Throughout his activism, Ian’s courage, eloquence, and charisma have inspired countless individuals to embrace their authentic selves and fight for a more inclusive world. By using his fame and influence for social good, Sir Ian McKellen has left an indelible mark on the ongoing struggle for LGBTQ+ rights, proving that visibility and activism can truly drive meaningful change.

Countdown to justice

While Carol Vorderman is widely recognised for her work in television and education, she has also emerged as a staunch advocate against government corruption. Carol’s campaign against corruption is rooted in her belief in transparency, accountability, and the integrity of public institutions. Carol has spoken out against various forms of corruption, ranging from financial misconduct to political favouritism. She has consistently called for robust measures to combat corruption, including stronger regulatory frameworks, enhanced oversight mechanisms, and greater public scrutiny of government activities.

I’ll be using my voice to cause a commotion and I’ll hold the corrupt to account without fear or favour.

Beyond mere rhetoric, Carol has taken concrete actions to support her anti-corruption stance. She has lent her voice to campaigns promoting ethics in public service and has supported initiatives aimed at exposing and punishing corrupt practices. Additionally, Carol has used her platform to raise awareness about the detrimental effects of corruption on society, emphasising the need for collective action to root out this pervasive problem.

Through her advocacy against government corruption, Carol Vorderman exemplifies the power of individuals to challenge injustice and hold those in power accountable. By shining a light on corruption and advocating for reform, she continues to inspire others to join the fight for a more transparent, fair, and equitable society.