This year's YOU London Leadership Development Weekend saw over 60 young people from uniformed youth groups, predominantly from East London, come together to engage in an energising mix of leadership challenges, teamwork activities and inspiring talks designed to strengthen their confidence, communication and practical leadership skills.
The two‑day programme was generously hosted by Kingsford Community School in Beckton, East London on 10–11 October. The weekend brought together participants from eight organisations: Boys’ Brigade, Girls’ Brigade, Kingsford School CCF, LFB Fire Cadets, London Region Scouts, MPS Volunteer Police Cadets, Sea Cadets and St John Ambulance cadets. The young people took part in a number of hands‑on stands and activities, giving them the chance to test themselves, collaborate and learn from peers across the wider uniformed youth community.
The programme opened on Saturday morning with a welcome and short brief on YOU London, followed by an address from Hilary Carty, Executive Director of Clore Leadership, who spoke about the importance of following your interests and being true to yourself.
Across both days, mixed syndicates rotated through seven practical stands and activities delivered by the Boys’ Brigade, Girls’ Brigade, London Fire Brigade, London Region Scouts, Met Police, Royal Navy and St John Ambulance. Cadets from Kingsford School CCF acted as guides, supporting syndicates and helping them navigate the school site.
A professional photographer, Stewart Turkington, captured the weekend’s energy and teamwork. Images can be viewed and downloaded here: https://www.flickr.com/gp/194100365@N07/wB89J9uoYj
Saturday’s visitor programme welcomed parents, guardians and VIP guests, who toured the stands and observed the participants in action. Guests included Dhruv Patel CBE, High Sheriff of Greater London; James Asser MP, MP for West Ham and Beckton; and Representative Deputy Lieutenants for the London Boroughs of Barking and Dagenham, Redbridge and Tower Hamlets. Sir Kenneth Olisa OBE, His Majesty’s Lord‑Lieutenant of Greater London addressed the visitors and young people, praising the commitment of the adult volunteers who run London’s uniformed youth organisations and the vital role they play in developing confident, capable young citizens.
On Sunday, participants heard from Flt Lt Simran Bahra, an RAF pilot and former Air Cadet from East London, who shared his personal leadership journey and encouraged young people to seize the opportunities available to them, pursue excellence and lead with authenticity.
The Leadership Development Weekend once again demonstrated the power of collaboration across London’s uniformed youth organisations. With every syndicate containing representatives from multiple organisations, young people built new friendships, learned from each other and gained insight into the wider youth sector. Participants departed with new skills, increased confidence and a deeper understanding of leadership in practice.
Debbie Wilkinson DL, Partnerships and Operations Lead for YOU London and the weekend Director, said:
“This weekend showed exactly what makes London’s uniformed youth organisations so special. Young people arrived ready to challenge themselves, support one another and step forward into leadership. I’ve left this weekend hugely energised by the enthusiasm, professionalism and ambition of London’s young people.”
Organisations and participants are encouraged to share their experiences on social media using #YOULondonLDW and tagging @YOULondon1.
