Building Connections, Opening Doors: Opportunity for Southampton Youth

How can we help young people in Southampton build the connections and networks they need to succeed?

Inspired by the RSA’s Social Connections project, this event explores how relationships, networks and community ties can unlock opportunity for our young people – And how the creation of these positive connections can be accelerated through policy.

Together, we’ll bring educators, employers, policymakers and community leaders into the same room to meet, exchange experiences and generate practical ideas.

We’re hoping that this meeting will lead to practical project delivery in Southampton. 

The evening includes:

• Research insights from the RSA’s latest Connectivity Report
• Expert voices from schools, colleges, employers and youth organisations in Southampton
• Round-table discussions to co-design solutions to the challenges young people face
• Live voting to prioritise initiatives for RSA pilot development

 Why Attend?

• Shape real solutions: Play an active role in tackling barriers to youth opportunity.
• Expand your network: Connect with others across education, industry, policy, and community sectors.
• Drive impact: Contribute to RSA pilot projects designed to make a lasting difference.

 This isn’t a sit-back session — it’s an evening to share experiences and spark ideas that could transform young people’s futures in Southampton and beyond.

The event is being co-hosted by Sian Campbell FRSA (Senior Enterprise Fellow, University of Southampton Business School) and Beth Bray (Post 16 Manager, Southampton City Council).

The event is free to attend, but spaces are limited — reserve your place now.

Taking part in RSA in-person events

To participate in this event, you will need to register for a ticket so that we can manage capacity. Our events are frequently oversubscribed so if you are subsequently unable to attend, please cancel your Eventbrite booking so we can make room for others on the Wait List.

Accessibility and Inclusivity

At the RSA, we strive to create an inclusive and supportive environment for all Fellows. We ask that you fill out the accessibility requirements box in your Eventbrite booking form in advance of our events to ensure that we can accommodate such requirements.

Join Circle and connect with others who attend this event

Join Circle, the RSA’s community platform, to stay up to date on the latest events, connect with Fellows across the world, and engage with the RSA Design for Life mission. To get started on Circle, you need to have a My RSA account. If you already have a My RSA account, your account details will be the same for Circle.

Data and Personal Information

By registering for this event you consent to receiving communications about this event, both before and after, and you agree to the sharing of your name, organisation & title with the Fellow(s) and/or partner organisation(s) hosting this event. Attendees also agree to the sharing of their name and organisation with other delegates at the event so that they might contact you. If you do not wish this information to be shared, please let us know by emailing: fellowship@rsa.org.uk.

Please note that filming/photography may take place at this event for promotional and archival purposes. If you would prefer not to be photographed, please let us know by contacting fellowship@rsa.org.uk. 

The information you provide when registering for an event will be retained by the RSA and will be used to record attendance at the event. To understand more about how the RSA uses your data, please see our Privacy Policy.

Please be aware that registrations will close two hours before the event is due to start.