YMCA Heart of England Champions Youth Insight at Connections for Prosperity 2025

YMCA Heart of England proudly took part in Connections for Prosperity 2025, the Centre for the New Midlands’ flagship policy conference held at Edgbaston Stadium. With over 300 of the region’s top business, community, and policy leaders in attendance, the event explored how best to build a fairer and more prosperous West Midlands.

Our CEO, Pauline Tomlinson, and Youth Ambassador Shantisha Pande co-hosted a panel titled “Is the West Midlands Meeting the Needs of its Young People?” alongside former Children’s Commissioner Soulla Yiasouma. The session sparked insightful discussions on youth engagement and the future of local services, contributing a vital youth-centred perspective to the regional agenda.

The conference also featured a fireside chat with Mayor Richard Parker, reflecting on his first year in office and ambitions for the region. Our delegation participated in leading workshops such as:

• Ethical Leadership & Sustainability
• Designing to End Homelessness
• Progressing a Decent Neighbourhood Standard

These sessions underscored YMCA Heart of England’s strategic focus on social responsibility, community wellbeing, and sustainable leadership.

“We are committed to elevating youth voices in regional decision-making,” said Pauline Tomlinson. “The conference reinforced our mission to build stronger, more inclusive futures for young people across the West Midlands.” YMCA Heart of England were so proud to represent the voice of young people across the Midlands and we have committed along with our key partners to ensure young people are central to any future strategies ‘