After an extremely successful inaugural event the UK’s ‘Raise Up’ Youth Summit returns for its second year on 1 October 2026 at BOXPARK Liverpool.
Backed by headline sponsor Football for Change, this one of a kind intergenerational summit brings together the world of business, sport and television to reimagine social mobility and the role of business in rebuilding Britain.
The ‘Raise Up’ summit challenges the outdated notion that talent only rises from the top and calls on business to step up, show up and lead the change.
Created by the team behind the social value-led business Rise Construction Framework (Rise), last year’s summit featured some of the UK’s most progressive brands in the social mobility space including Channel 4, the EY Foundation and Movement to Work. Young people were provided with business insights from North West businesses and featured a special guest, Dragon’s Den star, Sara Davies MBE.
Football legend Jamie Carragher, Chair of Football for Change, who took part in last year’s event, explains why Football for Change is backing the 2026 summit: “Football for Change aims to break down the barriers of poverty that keep our youngsters from realising their full potential. I couldn’t ignore The Raise Up Summit because it embodies everything Football For Change stands for – from empowering the next generation to creating opportunities. We’re all delighted to get behind this powerful event that will make a difference for young people.”
Sara Lawton, Director of Rise and creator of the Raise Up Summit, shared the powerful message at the heart of the event: “Rise is a social value business that has always invested in young people; in 2020 we founded ‘Thrive’ a specialist coffee shop that supports care leavers and young people furthest from the job market.
“Our work in this space has helped 100’s of left behind young people secure employment, but we wanted to do more. Young people can be overwhelmed, overlooked and underestimated and want employers to see their value. This summit is our rallying cry to business: Show up. Listen. Learn. But most importantly – help rebuild a future where potential isn’t dictated by postcode or accent.”
Once again ‘Raise Up’ will be packed with inspirational leaders from across the UK, you can find out more about the event and how to purchase tickets by visiting the website: www.raise-up.co.uk
‘Raise Up’ is also supported by The Regenda Group, EFT Construction, Liverpool John Moores University, City of Liverpool College, Weightmans, Accenture and Liverpool Hope University.
