Young people understand the realities of their own lives and communities. Through Cricket Changemakers and other peer leadership approaches, they use cricket to explore the issues that matter to them, identify the strengths and support around them, and develop action that makes sense locally.

This may include coaching younger players, leading peer education, involving families, organising festivals or using cricket to open wider community conversations. Adults provide support and safeguarding, while young people build the skills and confidence to become coaches, facilitators and community leaders.

Gender-equal opportunities to participate in sport matter in their own right and can contribute to wider changes in confidence, visibility and expectations. Mixed-gender cricket can help boys and girls communicate, cooperate and develop respect, while equal access to coaching, facilities and competition makes girls’ participation more visible and more normal.

We also recognise that girls face particular barriers, including social expectations, restricted mobility, safety concerns, menstrual stigma and fewer opportunities to progress. Girl-focused activities, practical support and the development of female coaches and leaders can therefore be essential alongside inclusive mixed-gender delivery.

For young people affected by displacement, cricket can provide regularity, friendship and a safe place to play. Working with refugee communities and specialist partners, CWB supports cricket that responds to local circumstances and creates opportunities to connect, develop skills and take on responsibility.

Refugees are not only participants in this work: they are coaches, organisers and leaders with knowledge and ambitions of their own. Programmes strengthen community-led delivery, bring displaced and host communities together where appropriate, and build links with national cricket associations and wider opportunities within the game.

CWB began by combining cricket with HIV awareness and action to reduce stigma. HIV prevention, testing and treatment awareness remain important in several of our partnerships, but our health promotion work has broadened to include menstrual health, water, sanitation and hygiene, and wider physical and social wellbeing.

Games and discussion can make sensitive subjects easier to approach, challenge misinformation and encourage people to share their own knowledge and questions. Technical content is developed with health and community specialists, while trusted coaches and youth leaders help make that learning active, accessible and relevant locally.