National Inclusion Week
National Inclusion Week: Building a Space Where Everyone Belongs
14–20 September 2026
National Inclusion Week is a chance to celebrate what makes us all different, as well as what we have in common. It’s also a good time to think about how we can make sure everyone feels welcome, listened to and included.
This year’s theme is “Build Trust. Navigate Change.” It’s a reminder that inclusion isn’t just about words, it’s about the spaces we create and how we treat the people around us.
What does inclusion mean for young people?
For young people, inclusion can mean lots of different things. It could be having a place where you feel comfortable being yourself, knowing your voice matters, or being able to take part without feeling judged or left out.
Trust starts with listening
One of the biggest parts of inclusion is listening.
Sometimes making a space more inclusive can be as simple as asking young people what they need, giving everyone a chance to have their say, or checking in with someone who might be feeling a bit left out.
When young people know they are being listened to and taken seriously, it helps build trust and makes it easier for them to get involved.
Everyone has a part to play
Inclusion isn’t something that just one person can do. We can all play a part in making people feel welcome.
This could be by:
• Listening to people who have different experiences to us.
• Not making assumptions about others.
• Speaking up when we see someone being treated unfairly.
• Making sure everyone gets a chance to join in.
• Looking out for people who might be feeling left out.
• Celebrating the different people and communities around us.
Small things can sometimes make a bigger difference than we realise.
Creating spaces where young people belong
At Space Youth Project, we want our youth spaces to be somewhere young people can feel safe, respected and able to be themselves.
National Inclusion Week gives us a chance to stop and think about what we can do better, but inclusion shouldn't just be something we think about for one week of the year.
It’s about the little things we do every day to make people feel welcomed in all spaces.
-written by Kodi, a supernova
