From quiet participant to peer leader: Sarah’s journey with the Change Makers programme
From quiet participant to peer leader: Sarah’s journey with the Change Makers programme
Donors: Harrow Change Makers
Change Makers is funded in Harrow through the Harrow Change Makers Grant Programme, which brings together local and regional funders to back projects that respond directly to what young people have said they need. One of the standout participants in this year’s programme was Sarah*, a pupil at St John Fisher Primary School. Many children and young people are at key transition points in school or living through personal difficulties that can leave them feeling isolated or unsure of themselves. By working in small groups over a ten-week period, staff create a safe, structured space where children can build life skills, strengthen relationships and recognise their own potential.
Joining the group
Sarah joined Change Makers as a quiet and reserved participant who found school challenging. From the beginning, she attended every week, gradually gaining confidence and beginning to come out of her shell.
Early in the programme, she showed remarkable bravery by sharing with the group that she had lost her father the previous year. This openness, especially at her age, demonstrated courage and maturity beyond her years. Her honesty not only supported her own growth but also encouraged her peers to reflect, share and support one another.
Growing in confidence
Over the ten weeks, Sarah became an integral member of the group. She consistently showed commitment, thoughtfulness and a real desire to develop her skills. Whether contributing to discussions, taking part in workshops or encouraging others, she began to display leadership qualities alongside growing resilience and self belief.
Her journey is a clear example of what Change Makers is designed to do: give young people the tools and confidence to grow personally while having a positive impact on those around them.
Recognition and next steps
In recognition of her growth and contribution, Sarah was nominated for and won the Watford FC Trust Howard Plaut Award. Her nomination described her as “a truly inspirational part of our Change Makers programme” who “has left a lasting impression on those she has worked alongside.”
Sarah’s story highlights how programmes like Change Makers can transform young lives, helping participants to overcome challenges, build confidence and develop skills that will support them in the future. As she explains:
“Change Makers has meant a lot to me and after joining the group, I now consider Elliot and the others in the group friends that have helped me grow and build skills I never knew I had. I will be sad to leave my primary school, but this programme has really helped me, and my mum feel ready for our future.”
*Name has been changed to protect individual identity.
Read the full reportSarah's story is one of several featured in the 2025 Harrow Change Makers Impact Report, which shares how local projects in Harrow are helping young people reconnect with education, manage difficult situations and build a more hopeful path forward.
