In a compelling conversation, Toby Ealden articulates the mission and vision of Zest, an organisation celebrating its 17th year of existence, dedicated to empowering young voices within the Lincoln community. Ealden's personal journey back to Lincoln from a brief stint away underscores the profound connection he feels to the city, a sentiment that resonates throughout the podcast.

The conversation reveals Zest's unwavering commitment to creating inclusive spaces where young people can express themselves and be heard amid a backdrop of diminishing youth support services—a national crisis that has seen a significant decline in youth workers.

The discussion transitions into the innovative projects spearheaded by Zest, particularly The Zone, which was conceived as a direct response to the alarming lack of youth spaces in Lincoln. By engaging with a substantial number of young people through workshops and consultations, Zest has effectively tapped into the community's needs, resulting in a vibrant hub that encourages creativity and social interaction.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Zest Theatre
• Arts Council
• National Lottery Community Fund
• Department of Culture, Media and Sport
• Lincoln Theatre Royal
• Lincoln Arts Center
• Frequency Festival