A generation left behind, is about to be seen, heard, and hired.
On October 15, 2025, the Raise Up Youth Summit will launch at BOXPARK Liverpool, bringing together hundreds of employers and young people from NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) backgrounds. This groundbreaking event challenges the outdated notion that talent only rises from the top, and calls on business to step up, show up, and lead the change.
Created by the team behind the social value-led construction framework, Rise - Raise Up will feature some of the UK’s most progressive brands in the social mobility space including Channel 4 and the EY Foundation, powered by the vision of Sara Lawton, Director of Rise and creator of the summit. With support from Weightmans, and in partnership with Movement to Work, the summit will connect national employers with local youth, creating real pathways to opportunity.
Sara Lawton, Director of Rise and creator of the Raise Up Summit, said:
“While young people’s heads are down, buried in their phones - they cannot be seen.
“Our young people are overwhelmed, overlooked, and underestimated, but not without value. This summit is our rallying cry to business: show up. Listen. Learn. Help us to rebuild a future where potential isn’t dictated by postcode.”
Helen Taylor, HR Director, Weightmans, said:
“When we first heard about the Raise Up Youth Summit, we instantly knew we had to offer our support. It is an idea that perfectly aligns with our business purpose to see the possibility in our people, creating opportunities and a culture that enables them to develop and fulfil their potential, no matter where they are from or their background.
“As a responsible employer, it is our duty to equip the next generation with the confidence, skills and networks to thrive through real structural changes such as mentorship, sponsorship and accountability - building a better, fairer and more ambitious future for everyone.”
The idea for the summit was born from a growing crisis: young people are feeling more disconnected from society than ever. Since the pandemic, in-person interaction has dwindled, and Gen Z has been left to navigate a world shaped by toxic algorithms and social media echo chambers. The hit Netflix series Adolescence captured this cultural moment, highlighting the emotional isolation, identity struggles, and digital overload facing today’s youth. Raise Up responds with a bold alternative: real-world connection, face-to-face dialogue, and tangible action.
For more information about Raise Up, visit the website.
