Be The Change was founded by Daniel Sukula, an inspiring community leader who has been empowering young people since 2015. With a degree in Community Development and Youth Studies, Daniel has dedicated his life to creating opportunities, support systems, and safe spaces for young people to grow, lead, and thrive.
Daniel’s passion for youth empowerment is deeply personal. As a young boy, he grew up without consistent positive role models and understands first-hand the challenges many young people face. During his family’s anti-deportation campaign, he experienced the power of community support, an experience that shaped his belief that every young person deserves guidance, advocacy, and someone who believes in them.
Determined to be the role model he once needed, Daniel began mentoring and supporting young people through sport, particularly football. What started as informal sessions to bring young people together quickly became something much bigger.
In 2020, Daniel’s dedication to service and community impact was recognised when he was invited to join the prestigious The FA Lionsheart squad, a testament to his leadership and commitment to making a difference.
From those early football sessions, Be The Change has grown into a thriving Community Interest Company (CIC) supporting young people aged 8–25.
At the heart of Be The Change is a dedicated team of staff and volunteers, many with lived experience, who understand the realities young people face. We also proudly champion a team of young leaders who help shape the vision and activities of the project, ensuring that youth voice is not only heard but central to everything we do.
Be The Change was built on lived experience, resilience, and the belief that with the right support, every young person can overcome barriers and achieve their full potential.
We don’t just support young people, we empower them to lead change in their own lives and communities.
Be The Change currently operates the following activities:
Be The Change is making a massive difference in the life of young people in Bolton.
In our recent survey, we asked young people about what we do best and how we make a difference in their lives. Young people enjoy and appreciate the activities we provide, particularly those which they wouldn’t otherwise have the chance to try.
“Opens doors to opportunities I wouldn’t get anywhere else.”
“They are activities I would never have a chance of doing elsewhere.”
We’ve found that while some young people are likely to spend time out on the streets and get into trouble, others seek to avoid this by staying at home and miss out on social opportunities. By providing enjoyable activities in a friendly and supervised space, we offer something to both groups.
“I love the fact that it takes young people out of the streets and provide activities to help keep them out of trouble.”
“It has changed my life provided something I can look up to every week rather than just being in my room playing games. Be The Change has helped me improve my confidence and made a lot of new friends.”
Young people tell us that they appreciate the opportunity to make new friends, socialise, and develop their communication skills:
I am getting to meet other people and socialising which is something I didn’t use to do before.
They are becoming more active, with a positive impact on their mental and physical health, their confidence and their level of motivation.
I don’t feel lonely, and I’m more healthy mentally and physically.
It really helps keep me active and keep on improving myself.
It motivates me to want to do better with my life.
They motivate me to get up and out, to enjoy being young at the same time as keeping me out of trouble. I don’t feel judged or excluded in anything they always get me involved even when I don’t have the motivation.
Be The Change is also encouraging young people to think more positively about the future, and to give back to the community.
It gives me time to think about how I can involve myself to help young people.
I met a lot of people, made some really good friends who share the same vision as me, and helps me to work even harder to be where I want to be. It encourages me to give something back to the community like how Be The Change has given me the opportunities.
Be The Change’s work on knife crime reduction is welcomed by teachers and those working with young people at risk.
The session was excellent. It was pitched at exactly the right level for the students’ and really made them think about the choices they make and the effect it could have on their future. They were engaged throughout and this was thanks to the work that you put into the table discussions. The feedback from the students has been extremely positive, with all of them asking if they could be involved in another session. They said they found it very informative and it was presented in a way that they could relate to. (Deputy Head Teacher)
| Day | Session Details |
|---|---|
| Monday |
10:00am – 1:00pm Community Drop-In (All ages) 5:00pm – 8:00pm Junior Club (8–11) |
| Tuesday | 5:00pm – 8:00pm Senior Club (12–18) |
| Wednesday |
10:00am – 1:00pm Community Drop-In (All ages) 5:00pm – 7:00pm SEND Club (8–16) |
| Thursday | 5:00pm – 8:00pm Junior Club (8–11) |
| Friday | 5:00pm – 8:00pm Senior Club (12–16) |
| Saturday | 12:00pm – 3:00pm Anderton Centre – Outdoor Adventure |
Partner with us by becoming a Patron and help transform the lives of young people in Bolton. Your monthly support helps fund vital activities, provide meals and refreshments, and create a safe, positive environment where young people can thrive.
Why become a patron?
This is more than sponsorship, it’s an opportunity to be part of meaningful change while showing your customers what your business stands for.
Interested in partnering with us?
Email fundraising@bethechangeyp.co.uk and start making a difference today.