Welcome to the Changemakers Collective
The Changemakers Collective is CENMAC’s student participation group, bringing together children and young people who use our services to share their experiences, influence future developments and help improve inclusive education.
We believe that the best ideas come from the people who use assistive technology every day. By listening to young people’s voices and working alongside them, we can ensure services are shaped by real experiences and real needs.
Whether we’re testing new technology, influencing national conversations or planning future projects, the Changemakers Collective ensures that young people are always at the centre of what we do.
Our Vision
To ensure every child and young person supported by CENMAC has the opportunity to be heard, influence change and access meaningful opportunities that help shape the future of inclusive education.
What We Do
Members of the Changemakers Collective work together throughout the year to:
- Share lived experiences
- Shape new ideas and projects
- Test new products and services
- Provide feedback to organisations
- Influence decisions affecting young people
- Represent the voices of other students
- Develop confidence, leadership and advocacy skills
Every meeting is an opportunity for young people to learn, contribute and make a genuine difference.
Our Journey So Far
Although the Changemakers Collective is still in its first year, members have already been involved in a wide range of exciting opportunities, including:
- 🌟 Launching the first Changemakers Collective workshops
- 🏛️ Attending Parliament for the APPG on Assistive and Accessible Technology
- 🎮 Working alongside Vault Learning to co-produce an inclusive educational game
- 🎤 Representing Student Voice at Communication Works
- 💬 Contributing to discussions on the future of SEND reforms
This is just the beginning, and we look forward to creating even more opportunities together.
Who Are Our Members?
Our collective members are CENMAC Student Voice Lead Khamani Edwards and students Lauris, Lauriel, Bella, Zion, Tlyer, Lina, Teal.
Reaching More Young People
We work with students across schools through:
- Workshops and school visits
- Assemblies and awareness sessions
- Feedback sessions with young people
- Events such as Communication Works
This ensures a wide range of voices are heard.
Voices from our Members
“He loved being part of it. It’s really given him conversation at home and a purpose. Tyler told someone at school that he was representing his school and was an AT champion.” — Tyler’s Dad
Why It Matters
The Changemakers Collective helps ensure that:
✔ Young people are listened to
✔ Services reflect real experiences
✔ Assistive technology develops with users
✔ Students gain confidence and leadership skills
✔ Schools hear directly from young people
✔ Future developments are shaped by lived experience
By listening to young people today, we can improve opportunities for the young people of tomorrow.
CENMAC’s Student Voice Lead Khamani Edwards (centre) with CCC student members Lauris and Lauriel
First meeting of the CENMAC Changemakers Collective
Student Voice Lead Khamani presenting at a Southwark Primary SENCOs event
Attending Parliament for the APPG on Assistive and Accessible Technology
Collaborating with Vault Learning
Who can join?
The Changemakers Collective is open to children and young people who are supported by CENMAC and would like to help shape the future of inclusive education.
Members come from different schools, age groups and backgrounds, bringing a wide range of experiences and ideas.
There are many ways to get involved, from sharing feedback through surveys to becoming a regular member of the Changemakers Collective.
We want every young person to have the opportunity to make their voice heard.
Interested in Getting Involved?
If you would like to find out more about joining the Changemakers Collective, speak to your CENMAC Advisory Teacher or ask a parent or carer to contact the CENMAC team.
Contact CENMAC Student Voice Lead Khamani Edwards on email: kedwards@cenmac.com
Student Voice Lead Khamani in action giving a presentation at CENMAC’s annual event Communication Works