In 2024, the King's Trust joined forces with the Elba Hope Foundation, a charity founded by actor Idris Elba and his wife Sabrina. They launched Creative Futures, a range of free courses designed to inspire young people through the arts, building their skills and confidence to work in the creative industries. Another beneficiary, 19-year-old Mariama Gallow, from Manchester, read her own poem to the King. Creative Futures has helped more than 100 young people across Manchester and is now supporting young people in other parts of the UK. Launched in 2018 by Factory International, the academy aims to provide accessible career pathways into the creative sector and boost skills across the region. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.