Celebrating International Youth Day 2025 at Inspire North
Every year on International Youth Day, we pause to recognise the potential and resilience that young people bring to our communities. This year’s theme reminds us just how vital it is to stand beside our young people to offer guidance, opportunity, and the tools they need to thrive as they step into adult life.
I agreed to do this blog due to my years of experience working alongside young people in Scarborough. I have seen first-hand the challenges they face and the incredible potential they hold. As the lead in setting up Mercury House, I’m proud to have created a safe, supportive space where young people can develop vital life skills, build their confidence, and take meaningful steps towards independent living.
At Inspire North, we are passionate about making that vision a reality. Every day, we deliver tailored services that go far beyond providing safe accommodation. We create an environment where young people feel heard, supported, and equipped for independent living.
What do we do?
- Practical Skills for Independent Living - Transitioning from childhood to adulthood is challenging, especially for young people who may not have a strong family network to guide them. That’s why our services are built around practical life skills that truly prepare young people for the responsibilities ahead.
- We help our tenants develop essential skills, including tenancy management, understanding their rights and responsibilities, effective communication with landlords, and maintaining a safe and secure living space.
- Budgeting and Financial Awareness: Learning to manage income and outgoings, plan for bills.
- Daily Living Skills: From cooking and cleaning to time management and personal well-being, which are all vital for a confident, healthy adult life.
I reached out to our Ofsted Registered Manager, Ben Joslin, for a few words.
“I would like to take this opportunity to recognise and celebrate the exceptional work being carried out across Inspire North’s children’s residential services. Every day, the teams supporting Our Way Leeds, the North Yorkshire Young Person’s Pathway, Darlington Families, and Doncaster Class work tirelessly to ensure the young people in their care are not only safe but are supported to thrive and grow.
The results of our June Young People’s Survey speak volumes. Every single young person reported feeling safe and supported by their team. This is an outstanding achievement and a testament to the dedication, consistency, and compassionate approach of every team member.
One of the most rewarding parts of my role is stepping more closely into services and witnessing first-hand the trauma-informed, person-centred care being delivered. The work I’ve seen is genuinely inspiring, grounded in deep understanding, empathy, and a relentless commitment to the well-being of each young person.
At the heart of this success is the importance placed on building trusting relationships. For all our clients, and particularly for young people, relationships are the cornerstone of practical support. Establishing safety, trust, and emotional security is the foundation from which young people can begin to heal, grow, and reach their full potential - and I’m proud to say that we are doing this exceptionally well.
To all the staff across our Young People residential services, I would like to say thank you. Your hard work, resilience, and unwavering efforts do not go unnoticed. You are valued not just by me, but by the Young People you support, and you should be incredibly proud of the difference you are making.
Well done, and keep up the fantastic work”
Ben Joslin, Ofsted Registered Manager
We know that genuine, sustainable support comes with robust safeguarding and high-quality care. That’s why we work in line with Ofsted compliance and national standards. By adhering to Ofsted’s rigorous framework, we ensure that every young person in our care receives a safe, nurturing, and supportive environment that meets their individual needs.
Our dedicated teams across The Northeast, North Yorkshire, South Yorkshire & West Yorkshire work tirelessly to meet and exceed compliance requirements because for us, it’s about more than a tick-box exercise. It’s about building trust with the young people we support.
Supporting young people isn’t just about today; it’s about their future and the future of our communities. By equipping young people with the skills and confidence they need, we break cycles of disadvantage, reduce the risk of homelessness, and help them build fulfilling, independent lives.
On International Youth Day 2025, we reaffirm our commitment to championing young people to see their potential, hear their voices, and give them every chance to succeed.
Kira Moxon-Lumb
Director of Operations