The Charity Show
Navigating youth engagement: Insights from the Duke of Edinburgh's Award - with Katie Bamber and Laura McIntosh
Published: 7 April 2025 at 01:01 Europe/London
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Episode notes
How can charities connect with young people in a noisy digital world? In this episode of The Charity Show, Tim and Piers dive into the ever-evolving world of youth engagement - and what charities need to do to truly connect with the next generation.
They’re joined by Katie Bamber and Laura McIntosh, the dynamic duo behind the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award’s (DofE) award-winning comms strategy, to explore how the charity stays relevant, resonates with young people and builds lasting impact in an increasingly noisy world.
In this episode:
📺 How the TV series Adolescence has shone a spotlight on the role children's charities can play in changing the conversation on youth pressures
📱 Keeping it real online—DofE’s approach to engaging young audiences in a digital-first world.
🎙️ The power of podcasts—why Navigating Now became a vital part of DofE’s communications strategy.
🧠 Top tips for youth engagement—from storytelling with authenticity to listening without assumptions.
🎉 What’s next for DofE—plans for its 70th anniversary and a bold new strategy to grow its reach.
Whether you’re working in youth services, charity comms, or just curious about what makes a youth campaign resonate in 2025, this episode is packed with advice and insight.
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Chapters
(00:09) Welcome to Episode 23
(06:53) Interview with Katie Bamber and Laura McIntosh – Part 1
(28:51) Third Sector News
(32:49) Interview – Part 2
(52:23) Superstars of the week
(56:55) What’s coming up next
Useful Links
DofE Youth Ambassadors – Learn more about the voices shaping the Award’s future
The DofE’s research into young people’s experiences – Including insights mentioned in this episode
The #FreeToBeMe campaign – Empowering young people to explore who they are
The Charity Show on LinkedIn – Follow for more insights from across the sector
