Children and young people - The Churchill Fellowship
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Children and young people

About this theme

This theme covers topics relating to the protection, development and wellbeing of children and young people in society. It is an area of enduring interest that runs throughout our grantmaking. Fellows’ stories

Blogs & conversations Building protection around children with experience of care

Through the first leg of his Fellowship in the USA, Grant Trainer explored what it means to protect and support children with experience of care. Drawing on learning from organisations in Albany, New York City, Brooklyn, and Seattle, he reflects on approaches that place children’s identity, dignity, and relationships at the heart of protection. He is now bringing this learning back to Scotland, where it is shaping his research into policing, care experience, and trauma-informed support, ahead of the next stage of his Fellowship in New Zealand.

By Grant Trainer, 2026

Blogs & conversations It takes a village: trauma-responsive communities are pivotal to addressing youth violence

Through her Churchill Fellowship, Ruth Oshikanlu explored youth violence as a public health and trauma crisis, rather than simply a criminal justice issue. Travelling to the USA and Australia, she learned from police officers, nurses, teachers, psychologists, community healers, young people, families, and Indigenous Elders about what it takes to build trauma-responsive systems. She is now using this learning to develop a Trauma-Responsive Community Network in her local borough, bringing together those who work with children and young people to create safer, more connected support.

By Ruth Oshikanlu, 2026

Blogs & conversations In conversation with Natasha Cox: Learning leads to new creative Saturday school for Black boys

We spoke to Natasha Cox about how her Churchill Fellowship helped shape the next stage of Actively SeeK.I.N.G, the CIC she founded to support Black boys through creative arts. Drawing on learning from schools in the USA, Ghana, and the Caribbean, Natasha has launched the House of K.I.N.G.s Saturday School. She reflects on how the Fellowship deepened her work, opened new doors, and helped turn her research into practical support for young people in East London.

By Natasha Cox, 2026

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