Inclusivity and Relevance in a Changing World: A call to action
Inclusion and diversity are facing increasing challenge, politicisation and, in some areas, rollback. Join us to explore how changing cultural narratives and funding priorities are impacting young lives, and how we can best respond.
What key themes will be discussed?
- Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Access (IDEA)
- Positive action
- Government policy and the equality act
- Young people’s mental health
- The role of music teachers
- Youth work approaches
What are the learning outcomes and key takeaways?
- Understand current pressures on IDEA, and their impact on children and young people.
- Devleop an ability to examine own context and practice.
- Inform practice by valuing youth voice.
This session will be of particular interest to:
- Those seeking to gain confidence to advocate for inclusion, diversity, equity and access, and identify practical actions for change.
Interactions
- Group discussion
- Digital participation
Speakers
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Adam Joolia
Youth Music
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Miri Layzell-Calder
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Carol Reid
Youth Music
Adam Joolia
Youth Music
Adam Joolia took up post in September 2026 as CEO of Youth Music, the UK’s leading national charity supporting music-making for children and young people who face barriers to opportunity.
He joins Youth Music after almost two decades leading AudioActive, a Sussex-based charity that uses music to reach young people who mainstream education and the music industry too often leave behind. Adam began his career in Nottingham during the emergence of the UK grime scene, working in alternative education and youth projects, in a climate that demanded creative, often unconventional ways of reaching young people, an ethos he carried into AudioActive, growing it into a nationally recognised organisation nurturing artists including Rizzle Kicks, Celeste and ArrDee.
As a child, the formal music education Adam experienced didn’t inspire or nurture him, and that’s shaped a career spent building spaces where young people facing barriers to access can not only participate in music but thrive. He brings a close understanding of the formal sector too, having spent over eight years on the boards of music education hubs in Sussex, where he conceived innovative projects such as Green Light and Electric Youth Ensemble, built on his conviction that inclusion and musical excellence aren’t a trade-off.
At Youth Music, Adam is focused on making the case for non-formal music-making as an equal and essential part of every young person’s musical education, and on strengthening partnership and collaboration between the non-formal and formal sectors to make that happen.
Miri Layzell-Calder
Miri Layzell-Calder is a youth worker and artist born and based in Brighton. Earlier this year he started working exclusively with queer and trans youth aiming to bring connection, community and support. After receiving the Youth music Next Gen Fund this year, he began recording his debut project which is still in the works. Eager for release, this is a treasured body of work he can’t wait to share with whoever it reaches. He is also passionate about lending his voice where he can and speaking about the Trans experience and how that interacts with the rest of his intersectional identity.
Carol Reid
Youth Music
Carol Reid is Programme Director at Youth Music, the UK’s leading charity helping marginalised young people to make and monetise music. She has more than 20 years’ experience in the third sector, and is passionate about social change, youth voice and the power of music to transform lives.
