There are many ways you can get to know someone and at our latest Local Gathering in the UK we went with …. building willow structures and standing in a lake together. It was slightly muddy and extremely efficient.

Hosted by James Hyde in Bedfordshire, the afternoon brought Strivers and Big Change together to explore one of our five pillars, Impact.

We kicked the day off with a willow challenge: two teams, plenty of ideas, and a shared ambition to build willow structures that will stay standing for years to come. Next came a dip in the lake, followed by a collective conversation about impact. Afterwards, we asked Ben Haber, MD of Big Change, for his reflections from the day and on what the partnership between Big Change and Strive makes possible.

For Ben, the courage people showed stood out – whether asking for help with the build, or sharing something personal in the circle. “Being vulnerable can be intimidating, and we all start from different places, so I have utmost respect for anyone who shares,” he said. It’s a mindset Big Change also encourages within its community: a willingness to listen, change your mind and step outside your comfort zone.

Big Change backs the changemakers closest to the challenges young people face, with funding, trust, and the flexibility to do things their way. Aliyah Irabor-York, one of the changemakers Big Change supports, joined us for the afternoon, bringing a perspective you can only get from the front line.

"Sometimes the most valuable thing to offer someone trying to create change is not another answer, but a connection, a different perspective, or the confidence that other people are alongside them."

The partnership between Big Change and Strive has been making connections like this one for over 13 years now – linking Strivers' experience and resources with people committed to making a difference. And as Ben puts it: "Sometimes the most valuable thing to offer someone trying to create change is not another answer, but a connection, a different perspective, or the confidence that other people are alongside them."

Ben's invitation to Strivers is straightforward: stay curious about what Big Change, and the people it backs, are learning. Share skills and networks where they could help. Make introductions. Bring courage, generosity and a willingness to get involved.

Our thanks to Ben for his reflections, to James for hosting, and to everyone who joined us. We now await the structural survey on the willow.