Empire Shaping policy at Youth Opportunity Summit in London

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An Empire Fighting Chance staff member attended a Youth Opportunity Summit in London.

On Tuesday 15th July, Serena Wiebe, a Coach and Youth Voice Ambassador, was at the launch of the new youth initiative led by Government.

She spoke alongside King Charles lll, Prime Minister Keir Starmer and anti-knife crime campaigner Idris Elba at St James’s Palace.

The event was launched by the Government as an opportunity to discuss what more must be done to offer community-led support to young people, in particular those who are 'vulnerable, stopping them from taking the wrong path.'

PM Keir Starmer said : “ Too many young people are being let down - left without the support they need and being drawn into gangs, violence or knife crime.

Together, we can prevent this, and make sure all young people get the chance to thrive. "

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    The Youth Opportunity Summit at St James's Palace in London with King Charles lll, Prime Minister Keir Starmer, actor and anti-knife crime campaigner Idris Elba and Serena Wiebe from Empire (bottom right).

Vulnerable young people who are at risk of being drawn into gangs, violence or knife crime will be given the help they need when the first Young Futures Hubs get up and running later this year. 

This is the latest step in the Government’s pledge to halve knife crime and open up opportunity for all, part of what's being called the Plan for Change.

Empire Fighting Chance are pleased to be at the heart of shaping youth policy across the UK, and Serena, who has been involved with the new national youth strategy for the DCMS (Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport) said : “What an incredible honour it was to represent Empire Fighting Chance and the Bristol community today at St James’s Palace for the Youth Opportunity Summit.

Standing alongside so many influential and inspirational people, I had the chance to share my voice — and I’m truly grateful to His Majesty King Charles for taking the time to listen."

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    The top table at the Youth Opportunity Summit - with King Charles lll, Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Idris Elba and Serena Wiebe (left).

Serena came through one of the boxing programmes at Empire, after struggling with the suicide of her brother, and went onto to become a member of staff working with young people herself. While doing so she lost a childhood friend through knife crime, which has propelled her on a journey to affect change.

She continued : "I must give a heartfelt thank you to Empire CEO Martin Bisp and Lord Marvin Rees for always believing in me and encouraging me to tell my story. Your support has truly changed my life.

“Representing Empire Fighting Chance, a charity that has saved my life, is one of my proudest moments. But the fight doesn’t stop here — I’ll continue to speak up, push for change, and stand for those who feel unheard.

I do this for Theo, my older brother, who tragically took his own life, and Eddie King, my childhood friend who was lost to knife crime. Their stories live through mine — and their memory fuels my purpose.”

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    Serena speaking at the Youth Opportunity Summit at St James's Palace in London.

At Empire seeing Serena's journey from first arriving at the gym to where she is now, demonstrates the power of effective intervention, and something we are passionate about bringing to all young people that come through our doors.  Empire CEO Martin Bisp said : "We are proud of Serena being involved with the Youth Opportunity Summit, as it’s important for Empire to be at the forefront of tackling issues experienced by communities across the UK.

We make communities safer, help young people put down knives and exit criminal behaviour. We look forward to seeing the impact of this work together."

You can read more about the Government's plan for young people here.