What is the project?

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We are recruiting a group of local young people aged 16 – 24 to work as paid Young Placemakers over five weeks in March/April 2026.

 

This is an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in architecture, urban planning and sociology while exploring how young people experience and use the local area.

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Focusing on Acton Gardens, you will investigate issues such as construction hoarding, safety, lighting, and pathways – and consider how local spaces could better support young people.

 

The project is delivered by Social Place on behalf of L&Q.

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What will you do?

 

You will work closely with Julia and Olivia from Social Place, alongside architects, design professionals and L&Q.

 

Through a structured learning programme, you will:

• Learn about architecture, urban planning and public space

• Explore how age, gender and other aspects of identity shape people’s experiences of place

• Develop practical research skills using sociological and design methods

• Study your own experiences and those of other young people in the area

• Develop ideas for how spaces could better support young people

 

At the end of the programme, you will present your findings and ideas to L&Q and project partners.

 

No prior knowledge or design experience is required.

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Time Commitment & Pay

 

The programme runs over 5 weeks, with a commitment of approximately 6 hours per week.

It will run from the first week of March to around mid-April (with a break for Easter holidays).

This includes:

• Flexible independent work (weekly activities and learning materials to watch/read/listen to)

• A scheduled session each week, either:

  • A 1-hour online meeting, or

  • A 2-hour in-person workshop or site visit

 

You will be hired on a short-term contract with Social Place and paid £15 per hour.

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Eligibility

 

You must:

• Be aged between and including 16 – 24 years old.

• Be a resident of Acton Gardens and/or a London Borough of Ealing Resident who lives in South Acton.

• Have the right to work in the UK.

• Be able to commit to the 5-week programme.

 

No previous experience is required.

 

How to Apply

 

Please send a paragraph (maximum 500 words) explaining why you would like to take part to:

• julia@social-place.org

• olivia@social-place.org

 

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend a short online interview.

 

We particularly welcome applications from people who are underrepresented in architecture, design and planning – including those from global majority backgrounds, LGBTQIA+ communities, and disabled young people. If you feel comfortable, we invite you to please share these or any aspects of your background or identity that shape your experience of living in or using the local area.

 

Please also include:

• Your name

• Your age

• Your gender identity and/or preferred pronouns

• Your postcode (to help ensure representation across the local area)

• Your regular modes of transport (e.g. walking, cycling, public transport, car, mobility aid, etc.)

• Your housing situation (e.g. living with parents, private renter, council/housing association tenant, temporary accommodation, homeowner), and type of home (house, flat, high-rise, shared accommodation etc.).

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