About us
You Press started off as a Youth-led Social Action Campaign designed to empower and inspire young people (13–30) to express themselves, explore their hidden talents and find their roles in society.
Our mission
You Press started how we aim to continue — listening to young people's needs and building a platform for them to learn, develop their skills and give back to their communities.
Because we listen, we keep adding projects and events that reflect young people's needs and give them a chance to never stop growing. Our ambition is as limitless as the young potential we see all around us.
Our journey
THE BEGINNING
Met on the leadership programme UpRising to figure out how to get young people from various ethnicities and backgrounds to connect and be heard.
FIRST PARTNERSHIP
You Press' first media partnership launched a youth-focused series involving articles written by young people.
RECOGNITION
You Press won 1st place, and was later named 'Inspiration of the Week' by Urban Pollinators.
A NEW STRUCTURE
The founding team graduated from SOAS with Post Graduate Diplomas in Law & Community Leadership, awarded distinctions through a scholarship programme.
PILOT PROJECT
Pairing young talented creatives with homeless people to share their stories through performance-based art — later extended to the stories of ex-offenders.
INTERNATIONAL
Travelled with a group of artists and students to deliver a live event honouring the victims and survivors of the Bosnian war.
PARTNERSHIPS
Training young people across Westminster, running a photography and creative writing competition with Paddington Arts, and delivering community research with the Greater London Authority.
TODAY
Volunteers, creatives, donors, partners and freelancers, all working together to create a vibrant artistic landscape.
Our team
FarahDirector & Founder
Amir QulateinOperations Director
Umar AzizDirector
Aliya AhmedProgramme Manager
Emmanuel OtunlaClient & Services Manager
Maxime SavriacoutyProject Coordinator
Asha MohammoudLegal Consultant
You?Join our communityAlthough we hope to become a self-sustained social enterprise, You Press is currently run by volunteers.
Whether you're a young creative looking for your next step, or an organisation that needs brilliant creative work — we'd love to hear from you.
YOU PRESS