Empire Empowered is the voice of young people at Empire Fighting Chance, a group of passionate young leaders shaping positive change within Empire and their communities.
Led by Youth Voice Coordinators Mariella and Serena, the board brings together young people who’ve experienced our programmes to share their views, influence decisions, and make sure young voices are heard at every level of what we do.
Youth Leadership Co-ordination & Community Coach
Youth Leadership Co-ordinator & Fundraising Support
“Soft days, strong mind, gentle heart.”
“You don’t have to control your thoughts. You must stop letting them control you.”
“Pain is temporary. Pride is forever.”
“Give yourself the same care and attention that you give to others and watch yourself bloom.”
“I’m happy with everything that I've ever done, because it all added up to who i am today.”
“Focus on where you want to go, not on what you fear.”
Our leadership journey begins with Box Leaders, our active spin on a youth leadership programme.
Over 15 weeks, young people take part in boxing-fuelled sessions that build confidence, communication, and leadership skills. Guided by our team, they learn how to lead, plan, and inspire others, all within the safe and empowering environment of our gym.
Each participant designs and delivers a social action project that benefits their community, from running local fitness classes to volunteering at Empire events, putting their new skills into real-world practice.
Graduates earn a qualification and are invited to take their leadership further as Youth Champions.
As Youth Champions, young people become advocates and role models. They use their experiences to inspire peers, challenge inequality, and create lasting change.
Their activities include:
Through these opportunities, Youth Champions help shape how young people are supported — in Bristol and beyond.
Empire Empowered is also driving 1000 Voices, a youth-led project gathering young people’s views on issues that matter most to them, including youth violence, mental health, and social mobility.
Their insights guide our work and campaigns, ensuring every young person’s voice contributes to meaningful, community-led change. Additionally, this project is now in collaboration with The University if the West of England, ensuring this research project produces to make sure the project captures valid presentable findings that can then be used to create genuine change for young people across the city.
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