Gamechangers Emerging Leaders

Four participants sit in a semi-circle, engaged in a group activity. They are focused on printed images and phrases laid out on the floor, such as 'Circus tricks,' 'Arts Award training,' 'Lived experience leadership,' and a large star illustration. A facilitator with curly hair, wearing a colourful patterned shirt, sits with their back to the camera, observing the discussion. The setting is a bright room with orange walls, a large screen, and minimal furniture, creating a collaborative and creative atmosphere.

Gamechangers Emerging Leaders Group is an encouraging and friendly space where emerging leaders with lived experience of learning disability support one another to develop their facilitation and leadership skills in the arts.

In Spring 2025, DIY is launching our exciting new partnership with Chatsworth Futures. We are very excited to be developing our Emerging Leaders sessions with a brand new cohort of young people with learning disabilities.

DIY’s Emerging Leaders is a group for young people with a learning disability who want to build their confidence and communication and leadership skills through drama. Together we play drama games and explore being creative in safe, fun and accessible ways! Sessions are co-led by DIY leaders with lived experience of learning disability.

We meet on Monday’s during term time, from 3.30pm to 5pm at Chatsworth Futures Specialist College, Off Vicarage Rd, Partington Ln, Swinton, Manchester M27 0WA

Keep up to date with DIY Gamechangers by following us on social media. The links are at the bottom of this page.

Thank you to Paul Hamlyn Foundation for supporting DIY’s Gamechangers programme.

Paul Hamlyn Foundation logo

Arts Award

We offer the Arts Award Qualifications (Levels Explore – Gold) across Passing the Baton Youth Arts Programmes.

Silver and Gold are recognised as Levels 2 and 3 on the Regulated Qualifications Framework, and Gold Arts Award is worth 16 UCAS points. Arts Award is available to young people up to the age of 25 years.

Through the Arts Award young people have the opportunity to develop their artistic practise and gain employability skills. They will demonstrate a positive attitude, willingness to learn, excellent time keeping and organisation skills and the ability to be flexible. By sharing their work with others, young people develop their personal presentation, communication and self-promotion.

Click to learn more about the Arts Award