This week we hear from Lauren Roberts-Turner, a researcher and campaigner from England who specialises in issues relating to young people and the welfare state, poverty, and the economics of social justice. When we spoke she was involved with Leaders Unlocked which does incredible work enabling young people to speak out and have influence on the issues that impact their lives. Thanks to Rose Dowling, CEO at Leaders Unlocked, for putting me in touch with Lauren. Lauren & I talked about her journey into activism, her thoughts about how change happens, the importance of peer research, the wonders of the NHS (UK National Health Service) and her learning about collaboration. What she doesn’t know about welfare and social justice isn’t worth knowing, enjoy the conversation!Show links:The ChildFair State Inquiry Benefit Row – ‘Benefits Street’ TV showJoseph Rowntree FoundationYE2030 Research & Campaign & more here Sheila McKechnie Foundation Marcus Rashford & Free School MealsIntergenerational Foundation Youth blogs on London Challenges Poverty Week website:The Reality of Rising BillsPoverty & Mental HealthPovertyLauren’s writing:‘Hit From All Sides: why the world isn’t working for Gen Z’Redesigning the Benefits System with Young People in MindYouth Poverty: Understanding & Challenging the NarrativeSupport the showYou can listen to the Citizens Now Podcast on all the usual platforms so please subscribe to get access to episodes as soon as they’re released. For more information about the show or to share your reflections on what you hear, please check out our website and we're on Instagram. If you'd like to be kept up-to-date on upcoming episodes and seasons please subscribe to the Citizens Now Podcast Substack.If you’d like to contribute to my tip jar, please check out my Ko-Fi page. I’ve put this podcast together in my spare time and out of my own pocket so any help with meeting operating costs (hosting, website, sound mixing etc) will be greatly appreciated.Credits: Created, produced, and hosted by: Debs Erwin Music: GlowCity Artwork: Rachel Brady Sound Editing & Mixing: Stu Reid, Stunt Double Music