Harman’s Story

As a first-generation immigrant and shaped by my lived experience, I was looking for spaces to meaningfully contribute and speak up for myself and my peers. Since the age of 12, I have worked across mental health, education, poverty and social mobility to influence policy, shape programmes and contribute to initiatives. Each experience is central to who I am today.

I was drawn to the Hope Collective because it worked differently. From the start, it was ambitious and championed connections and cross-collaboration under a public health approach. Instead of being invited to someone’s table, we build our own, seat young people at the head and invite other changemakers. We are experts by our lived experience and it is necessary for organisations and decision makers to value that expertise.

A key part of my role includes facilitating and hosting Hope Hacks. The empowering, safe spaces enables young people to present solutions to decision makers whilst also sharing the talent, creativity and leadership rooted in their hometowns. Alongside this, I have also been able to work with DCMS and social impact investment. Due to my background in evaluation and impact, I am understand how challenging and competitive the funding landscape can be. We still need to find pathways to invest in young people and their needs. Social impact investment is an innovative approach that prioritises actionable outcomes and the long-term impact that young people deserve.

With nearly a decade in the sector, it is inevitable to feel frustrated but my source of hope keeps me optimistic. I’ve worked with young people with vastly different backgrounds but I am in awe of their determination, ambition and resilience. They are overcoming the odds stacked against them whilst continuing to uplifting each other. I am inspired by them to take responsibility and contribute, support and lead change.