What happened
What happened on the day?
Across the afternoon, young people got stuck into activities designed to capture their vision for Scunthorpe in 2035.
They created live murals and vision boards, worked with a local DJ to create the sounds of Scunthorpe, recorded 60-second podcast pitches, mapped out what's great now and what could be better, and spent a mock £20 million budget – pitching their group's plan back to the room.
With lunch, snacks, music, and a photobooth to capture the day, it was creative, energising, and totally packed with ideas.
What young people said
What mattered most to young people?
Through all the creativity and conversation,
six clear priorities emerged.
Youth spaces with variety and accessibilty
Safe, inclusive placed to hang out, learn and connect. Youth cafes, clubs and centres across different neighborhoods with structured activities and relaxed social spaces.
Better transport
Trams, e-scooters, and reliable bus and train services to make it easier to get to school, college, youth hubs, and opportunities.
Environmental improvements
Cleaner, greener spaces. Morebins, tree planting, better-maintained parks and ponds, and hands-on projects where young people can get involved and make a difference.
Life skills and real-world education
Courses on budgeting, cooking, health, first aid, communication, and career readiness. Education that prepares them for life, not just exams.
Sports and leisure facilities
Upgraded pitches, swimming, cycling tracks, adventure activities, and spaces to stay active and healthy.
School improvements
Better buildings, facilities, technology, and practical curricula that engage and inspire.
Outcomes
Where did the ideas go?
This wasn't just a day of ideas – it was a day of influence. Everything captured at YouthLAB fed directly into the Neighbourhood Board's report to government, ensuring young people's voices were right at the heart of decisions about how £20 million is invested across Scunthorpe over the next decade.
Beyond the main event, we reached even further – engaging 150 young people in total through the Youth Van in Ashby, sessions at Ashby Youth Club, and dedicated work with young people at Trent View College to ensure SEND voices were fully captured.
What's next
Young voices, ongoing impact
YouthLAB proved what's possible when young people are given the space, support, and platform to share their vision. Their priorities – from youth spaces and transport to life skills and environmental action – are now shaping real investment decisions.
This is just the beginning. Scunthorpe Tomorrow remains committed to ensuring young people continue to have a voice in the future of their town.
Want to get involved with Scunthorpe Tomorrow?
If you'd like to be a part of the next YouthLAB or would like to get some more information about this event, get in touch using the form below.