Ep. 15: Creating opportunities through Millfields Inspired

The Power of Good, our popular podcast series, explores social value in its many forms – how it's created, why it's important and the sheer power of giving back to our communities and our planet.

In this episode, hosted by Partner Anna Phillips, we explore the impact of Millfields Inspired, a Plymouth-based charity helping young people develop confidence, raise aspirations and build brighter futures.

Anna is joined by Keely Burch, Development Manager at Millfields Inspired, to discuss how the charity works alongside schools, businesses and community organisations to create opportunities for children living in some of the city's most disadvantaged communities.

Supporting young people to realise their potential

At the heart of Millfields Inspired's work is a simple but powerful belief: every child deserves the opportunity to explore their potential, regardless of their background or circumstances.

Through initiatives including Widening Horizons, Inspire Me and a range of community projects, the charity helps young people develop confidence, resilience and valuable life skills, while opening their eyes to future career opportunities they may never have considered possible.

By connecting children with local employers and role models, Millfields Inspired aims to break down barriers, challenge perceptions and show young people that a wide range of career paths are within their reach.

Why this conversation matters?

Children growing up in areas of social deprivation can face barriers that extend beyond the classroom, from limited exposure to different careers and workplaces to lower levels of confidence, aspiration and opportunity.

This episode highlights the importance of early intervention and demonstrates how meaningful experiences, positive role models and strong community partnerships can help young people develop the skills and ambition needed to thrive.

The discussion also explores the wider role businesses can play in supporting social mobility and creating lasting positive change within their communities.

What you'll hear in this episode

• The story behind Millfields Inspired and the challenges it seeks to address
• How workplace experiences help broaden horizons and raise aspirations
• Why confidence, resilience and soft skills are vital for future success
• The impact of initiatives including Widening Horizons, Inspire Me and the Prom Shop
• Inspirational stories showing how small interventions can have a lasting impact
• The value of collaboration between charities, schools and businesses
• How individuals and organisations can support the charity's work through volunteering, partnerships and fundraising

As Keely explains throughout the episode, helping young people build confidence and aspiration can have a transformative impact, not only on their future opportunities but also on the wider community around them.

To learn more about Millfields Inspired, visit www.millfieldsinspired.com.

Useful resources

Access all previous episodes of our podcast via our dedicated The Power of Good podcast page.