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Dare2Dream

A paid project for young people aged 15–25 to try out new ideas and create change

Do you have an idea, or even just a feeling, about something you’d like to change for young people?Dare2Dream is a paid project where you can develop and test your own idea, with funding, mentoring, and support throughout. Your idea can be creative, practical, community-focused, or something completely different. You don’t need to have everything worked out, this project is about learning by trying things out.

What’s on offer

If you’re selected for Dare2Dream, you’ll receive:

  • You will be paid £500 for taking part
  • Up to £1,000 funding to develop and test your idea
  • Support from experienced mentors who’ve delivered creative and social change projects
  • A supportive group environment where you can learn, experiment, and build confidence

You don’t need a fully formed idea. You don’t need lots of experience. All you need is something you care about and an interest in trying something new.

Time commitment

Dare2Dream runs from 14 March to 12 May, with breaks built in, on Tues 31st March, Sat 4th and Tues 7th April.

Sessions take place:

  • Saturdays: 12pm–4pm
  • Tuesdays: 4pm–6pm

Sessions are held at the Albany and Deptford Lounge.

Access and support

We want Dare2Dream to be welcoming and accessible.

We can support with:

  • travel costs
  • access needs or adjustments
  • contribution towards PA costs
  • making sessions more comfortable for you

You’re welcome to get in touch before applying to talk about what support might help.

Who can apply?

You can apply if you:

  • are aged 15–25
  • live in or feel connected to Lewisham
  • are interested in making change for other young people

How to apply

Step 1 – Apply Apply using the online form here:

If you’d prefer, you can also apply by emailing a short video or voice note telling us:

  • your name and age
  • something you care about
  • an idea or issue you’d like to explore
  • why you want to be part of Dare2Dream

Deadline to apply: Sunday 1st March

Step 2 – Informal chat (Tuesday 10 March) Applications will be reviewed by a panel of young leaders at the Albany and project mentors.

If shortlisted, you’ll be invited to an informal meet-up to talk through your ideas.

👉 4 young people will be offered the paid opportunity

Want to know more first?

You’re welcome to come along to an informal drop-in to look around the space, meet the team, and ask questions.

Drop-in details: 📍 The Albany, Douglas Way, SE8 4AG

Come and chat to Rebecca (Senior Producer) and Aleksa (Young Leader project lead) as well as assistants to the project at our weekly youth takeover, Come As You Are (link to CAYA page) if you want to apply for this role but want to chat some ideas through first.

CAYA drop in dates: 10 or 24 Feb between 3:30 and 7pm

Or get in touch with any question or for an informal conversation:

Dare to Dream has been shaped by young leaders at the Albany as part of Come As You Are.

Click here to previous similar projects for inspiration.