Leeroy Williams | Founder of Future Youth Inspired

“Education is key, both academically but more importantly, socially and emotionally.”

Hi, I’m Leeroy, and I set up Future Youth Inspired in 2023 as I’m passionate about helping young people and families in need. I feel support is crucial to raise aspirations, prevent family breakdown and reduce the number of children entering the care system. We hear so much in this field how students are ‘academically able’ and this is certainly the case. However, young people need to be stable mentally to be able to hold down a college placement, apprenticeship or a job post-16. Being academic isn’t enough. 

I am Stevenage born and bred, attended Thomas Alleyne School and North Herts College, gaining a scholarship and went on to achieve a BA Honours in Childhood and Youth Studies & Law at Liverpool Hope University. 

Growing up in council estates all my life wasn’t easy. There were always opportunities to engage in criminal activity and I witnessed situations children that age shouldn’t. I have experienced a number of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) which are linked to growing up in a low socio-economic background, such as witnessing domestic abuse, violence and substance misuse, racism, and bereavements.

However, I was fortunate enough to have had a nurturing adult support network around me - I considered them as my mentors when growing up. My support network included my secondary school P.E. teacher Mr Smith, football managers and team mates, work manager, family members and friends who had aspirations. Without these, my life could have turned out very differently. This is why a relationship-based approach when working with young people and their families is important to me and how I created the Future Youth Inspired model around this. 

Over the years, I’ve gained the unique skills needed to work with the most vulnerable young people and their families. I have a combined 16 years’ experience working for Hertfordshire County Council children’s homes, private children’s homes in Essex, Stevenage Borough Council play schemes, Education Support Centres and Alternative Provisions, both in Merseyside while in university and Hertfordshire. 

As well as being the Managing Director of Future Youth Inspired, I am also a Therapeutic Thinking Tutor, Designated Safeguarding Lead and a Duke of Edinburgh Award Co-ordinator. 

“You can’t be what you can’t see”

A little more about me

Fitness is something I pursue in my spare time. I’m currently really into running and enjoy the energising boost it gives me.

  • Sport has always been a big part of my life, especially football. I’m an avid Arsenal fan, but would happily spend time with a Spurs supporter!

  • I find being close to the sea really therapeutic. My favourite spot, to date is Cornwall.

  • Socialising is important to me. Getting to know people from different walks of life and listening to their stories really educates and inspires me.

  • I’ve been fortunate enough to travel to amazing parts of the world. Exploring has really opened my eyes to other cultures, their different ways of living and what they value in life. 

My proudest moments and achievements

Some of my most recent and cherished moments have been seeing young people I've supported in the past thriving in their personal lives and careers. It's incredibly rewarding to hear them mention how the guidance they received earlier in their lives made a difference, and I'm proud to know that I played a part in their journey.

The Comet Community Awards | Service to the Community - Finalist 2016 

Children in Care Council | Young People’s Award - Winner 2017

The Comet Community Awards | Role Model of the Year - Winner 2018