Not Just Making Tea: Five Lessons from Working in Social Impact
Growing up in West London, I’ve seen first-hand the challenges young people face—whether it’s struggling with access to opportunities, mental health support, or simply being heard. Taking on the role of Youth Engagement Officer at Lightbulb Trust has been an eye-opening experience, showing me the behind-the-scenes work that supports our incredible partners and how social impact and impact investing work can create real change. Here are five key lessons I’ve learned so far:
1. Youth voices matter more than we think
As young people, we feel like our opinions aren’t taken seriously, and we’re often told that we are still too young to understand anything about the ‘real world’ but working in this role has shown me the complete opposite. Our perspectives are valuable. More than people can imagine it. Whether it’s suggesting ideas, facing challenges, or making engagement more inclusive, having a youth voice in decision-making is crucial. Many of our partners support young people, but to truly make an impact, they need to hear directly from us.
As someone who has grown up in West London and who has attended youth clubs, navigated the education system, and experienced inequalities, I know firsthand how important it is to have someone who just gets it. This ensures that young people’s needs are met. One thing I was told growing up by my teachers and mentors is that lived experience cannot be taught, and sometimes our voices are more valuable than experience, so don’t be afraid to speak up and go for opportunities. You don’t need to have it all figured out, sometimes, just taking the first step can lead to the best opportunities.
2. Challenges around remote working
When I started working remotely, I thought it’d be a piece of cake. I would just have to open my laptop and work whenever I want to, especially after surviving online school during COVID. But I had it completely wrong. While it is true that I pretty much have things in my hands, balancing remote work with university can be challenging.
For the first time, I’m fully independent. Managing my own workload, deadlines and schedule has been a challenge. I’ve had to reorganise my timings at least ten times, figuring out what works and what doesn’t. But thankfully, I have amazing colleagues who have helped me immensely, making the process much more comfortable and manageable.
3. It’s okay to make mistakes!
I’ve learned that you can’t expect yourself to know everything, especially when stepping into a sector you aren’t familiar with, and that’s completely okay. After all, where’s the fun in knowing everything from the start? The real thrill lies in exploring and trying new and unexpected things along your journey. As James Joyce puts it, “Mistakes are the portals of discovery.” Life is about embracing new experiences, stepping outside of your comfort zone and most importantly, trusting and believing in yourself.
The great thing about working in social impact is that everyone understands that learning is part of the process. Mistakes happen, but what matters is being open to feedback and growing from them. Each challenge is an opportunity to refine your skills, build resilience, and develop a deeper understanding of the work you’re doing. And remember this is your life, and you are the one leading it so don’t be afraid to dive into new opportunities and take ownership of your path.
4. Not just giving
Before joining Lightbulb Trust, I didn’t fully understand what went into funding and supporting grassroots organisations. Over time, I’ve learned that social impact is about much more than just providing financial support, it requires strong partnerships, ongoing communication and a willingness to learn.
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that communication is key. At Lightbulb Trust, we make sure to treat our partners in a way that fosters real partnership, not just as organisations receiving funding. Social impact comes from building relationships, understanding their challenges, and celebrating their successes. We care about the improvements our partners are making and stay engaged to see their impact firsthand. And it takes a lot of time and work.
At the same time, we also recognise that we aren’t perfect and that there is always room for improvement. We learn and listen from our partners in order to grow and improve. Real social impact isn’t just about giving, it’s also about adapting, listening and working as one big team to create meaningful change.
5. Digital engagement is a powerful tool for change
During my first few months managing website updates and social media I have learned how important digital platforms are and how they shape engagement. I have observed how our partners use their social media platforms to express their voices. Social media isn’t just about content and mindless scrolling, it’s a tool for impact. When used correctly, amazing things happen. It’s a way to amplify voices, mobilise communities, and share knowledge.
At Lightbulb, I have the exciting opportunity, and great responsibility, of managing our social media. While social media can be a place where I unwind and enjoy funny videos or catch up with my favourite influencers, I have come to understand it as something far more powerful. It’s a platform for change, where movements are born, awareness is raised and conversations spark action.
Growing up, I often heard my mum blame everything on social media “It’s because of that phone!” was a constant refrain. Technology seemed like the scapegoat for every problem. If you’re a parent, you’ve probably said it too. But while phones may seem like the issue, they’re not all bad. Social media isn’t just for passive consumption; it’s a tool for connection, learning, and advocacy across generations. What was once seen as a distraction can be a force for good, helping us shape the future. Learning to navigate it thoughtfully has been one of my most valuable lessons.
Moving forward
This experience has reinforced my passion for social impact and community-driven change. There’s still so much to learn, but I’m excited to keep growing, developing new skills, and making a meaningful contribution to this work. Young people have so much to offer, and I hope to continue ensuring that our voices are heard and valued.
Essia Zamzam
Youth Engagement Officer
The Lightbulb Trust
Not Just Making Tea: Five Lessons from Working in Social Impact
Growing up in West London, I’ve seen first-hand the challenges young people face—whether it’s struggling with access to opportunities, mental health support, or simply being heard. Taking on the role of Youth Engagement Officer at Lightbulb Trust has been an eye-opening experience, showing me the behind-the-scenes work that supports our incredible partners and how social impact and impact investing work can create real change. Here are five key lessons I’ve learned so far:
1. Youth voices matter more than we think
As young people, we feel like our opinions aren’t taken seriously, and we’re often told that we are still too young to understand anything about the ‘real world’ but working in this role has shown me the complete opposite. Our perspectives are valuable. More than people can imagine it. Whether it’s suggesting ideas, facing challenges, or making engagement more inclusive, having a youth voice in decision-making is crucial. Many of our partners support young people, but to truly make an impact, they need to hear directly from us.
As someone who has grown up in West London and who has attended youth clubs, navigated the education system, and experienced inequalities, I know firsthand how important it is to have someone who just gets it. This ensures that young people’s needs are met. One thing I was told growing up by my teachers and mentors is that lived experience cannot be taught, and sometimes our voices are more valuable than experience, so don’t be afraid to speak up and go for opportunities. You don’t need to have it all figured out, sometimes, just taking the first step can lead to the best opportunities.
2. Challenges around remote working
When I started working remotely, I thought it’d be a piece of cake. I would just have to open my laptop and work whenever I want to, especially after surviving online school during COVID. But I had it completely wrong. While it is true that I pretty much have things in my hands, balancing remote work with university can be challenging.
For the first time, I’m fully independent. Managing my own workload, deadlines and schedule has been a challenge. I’ve had to reorganise my timings at least ten times, figuring out what works and what doesn’t. But thankfully, I have amazing colleagues who have helped me immensely, making the process much more comfortable and manageable.
3. It’s okay to make mistakes!
I’ve learned that you can’t expect yourself to know everything, especially when stepping into a sector you aren’t familiar with, and that’s completely okay. After all, where’s the fun in knowing everything from the start? The real thrill lies in exploring and trying new and unexpected things along your journey. As James Joyce puts it, “Mistakes are the portals of discovery.” Life is about embracing new experiences, stepping outside of your comfort zone and most importantly, trusting and believing in yourself.
The great thing about working in social impact is that everyone understands that learning is part of the process. Mistakes happen, but what matters is being open to feedback and growing from them. Each challenge is an opportunity to refine your skills, build resilience, and develop a deeper understanding of the work you’re doing. And remember this is your life, and you are the one leading it so don’t be afraid to dive into new opportunities and take ownership of your path.
4. Not just giving
Before joining Lightbulb Trust, I didn’t fully understand what went into funding and supporting grassroots organisations. Over time, I’ve learned that social impact is about much more than just providing financial support, it requires strong partnerships, ongoing communication and a willingness to learn.
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that communication is key. At Lightbulb Trust, we make sure to treat our partners in a way that fosters real partnership, not just as organisations receiving funding. Social impact comes from building relationships, understanding their challenges, and celebrating their successes. We care about the improvements our partners are making and stay engaged to see their impact firsthand. And it takes a lot of time and work.
At the same time, we also recognise that we aren’t perfect and that there is always room for improvement. We learn and listen from our partners in order to grow and improve. Real social impact isn’t just about giving, it’s also about adapting, listening and working as one big team to create meaningful change.
5. Digital engagement is a powerful tool for change
During my first few months managing website updates and social media I have learned how important digital platforms are and how they shape engagement. I have observed how our partners use their social media platforms to express their voices. Social media isn’t just about content and mindless scrolling, it’s a tool for impact. When used correctly, amazing things happen. It’s a way to amplify voices, mobilise communities, and share knowledge.
At Lightbulb, I have the exciting opportunity, and great responsibility, of managing our social media. While social media can be a place where I unwind and enjoy funny videos or catch up with my favourite influencers, I have come to understand it as something far more powerful. It’s a platform for change, where movements are born, awareness is raised and conversations spark action.
Growing up, I often heard my mum blame everything on social media “It’s because of that phone!” was a constant refrain. Technology seemed like the scapegoat for every problem. If you’re a parent, you’ve probably said it too. But while phones may seem like the issue, they’re not all bad. Social media isn’t just for passive consumption; it’s a tool for connection, learning, and advocacy across generations. What was once seen as a distraction can be a force for good, helping us shape the future. Learning to navigate it thoughtfully has been one of my most valuable lessons.
Moving forward
This experience has reinforced my passion for social impact and community-driven change. There’s still so much to learn, but I’m excited to keep growing, developing new skills, and making a meaningful contribution to this work. Young people have so much to offer, and I hope to continue ensuring that our voices are heard and valued.
Essia Zamzam
Youth Engagement Officer
The Lightbulb Trust
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