Shaping Our Futures Together (SHOFT) CIC works to create more inclusive communities where people can connect, participate, develop their potential and shape the future around them.
We bring people together, create opportunities, support meaningful participation and work to break down barriers that can prevent individuals and communities from thriving.
Learn More About SHOFT
We create opportunities for people and communities to connect, develop, participate and make a meaningful contribution to society.
Creating spaces where people feel welcomed, valued and able to participate regardless of their background or circumstances.
Learn moreConnecting people with opportunities that help build confidence, develop skills and unlock their potential.
Explore projectsBringing people together to build stronger relationships, understanding and more connected communities.
Discover our workSupporting people to have a voice, build confidence and play an active role in shaping their futures.
See our impactSHOFT connects individuals and communities with information, guidance, opportunities and support designed to help people participate, develop and move forward.
From empowering young people and supporting entrepreneurship to celebrating culture and creating international opportunities, our projects bring people together and help shape more inclusive futures.
01
Empowering. Transforming. Reshaping mindsets.
EM3RGE seeks to empower, transform and reshape the mindsets of boys and young men, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Through mentorship, education, peer support and guided discussions, the project explores identity, purpose, mental health and positive masculinity.
Explore EM3RGE
02
Empowering ideas. Building entrepreneurial futures.
Igniting Dreams Business Exhibition is a yearly event designed to empower women and young girls to build entrepreneurial awareness and skills, develop their business ideas, strengthen their business acumen and explore new market opportunities.
Explore Igniting Dreams
03
Real stories. New perspectives. Unanswered questions.
The Inside View is an aspiring educational and empowering talk show and podcast created to answer unanswered questions, introduce new perspectives on everyday issues and provide motivation through the experiences and life stories of its guests.
Explore The Inside View
04
Celebrating culture. Connecting identity.
Threads of Identity celebrates and explores the intersection of African fabrics, textiles and identity. The project highlights the significance and stories behind traditional African fabrics while creating a platform for talented and aspiring models to showcase their fashion sense and skills.
Explore Threads of Identity
05
Building Bridges. Creating Value. Delivering Prosperity.
GYTIS 2026 is a high-level international platform designed to foster strategic partnerships, trade expansion and investment collaboration between Ghana and Yorkshire. Hosted at the University of Bradford, the summit brings together business leaders, investors, entrepreneurs, policymakers, academics, innovators and community leaders.
Explore GYTIS 2026Explore moments from some of SHOFT's initiatives and see the conversations, experiences and opportunities helping communities move forward.
Creating spaces where boys and young men can explore identity, purpose, responsibility and positive pathways for the future.
Creating opportunities for young girls to build confidence, discover their voices and believe in the possibilities ahead of them.
Our projects are designed to create meaningful opportunities, strengthen connections and support people to participate, develop and thrive.
These targets provide a framework for measuring SHOFT's reach and engagement across its projects. As our programmes develop, verified results will be used to report our progress.
Across SHOFT's programmes, activities, workshops, events and community initiatives.
SHOFT-wide targetThrough EM3RGE's focus on mentorship, identity, purpose, mental health and positive masculinity.
EM3RGE targetThrough Igniting Dreams and its focus on entrepreneurship, skills, mentoring and business opportunities.
Igniting Dreams targetThrough entrepreneurial exposure, pitch opportunities, mentoring, networking and business development.
Entrepreneurship targetThrough cultural programmes, community activities and initiatives such as Threads of Identity.
Community participation targetThrough The Inside View with Nana, including conversations, educational content, stories and wider audience engagement.
Audience reach targetSupporting people through mentorship, guidance, signposting and meaningful connections to opportunities and services.
Support connection targetBuilding relationships with institutions, businesses, community organisations, researchers and social-impact partners.
Partnership targetOur numbers tell only part of the story.
Behind every target is a person gaining confidence, discovering an opportunity, finding a connection, sharing their voice or taking a step towards a better future.
Hear from guests and contributors who have experienced The Inside View and the conversations it creates.
Stories, project updates, community conversations and opportunities from across SHOFT's work, bringing people closer to the ideas and people shaping more inclusive futures.
PROJECT UPDATE
EM3RGE seeks to empower, transform and reshape the mindsets of boys and young men, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Through mentorship, guided discussions and peer support, the initiative explores identity, purpose, mental health, positive masculinity and inclusion.
Read Story
ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Igniting Dreams is a yearly business exhibition designed to empower women and young girls to build entrepreneurial awareness, develop skills, strengthen business acumen, build networks and explore new opportunities.
Read Story
STORIES & CONVERSATIONS
The Inside View is an aspiring educational and empowering talk show and podcast seeking to answer unanswered questions, introduce new perspectives and use real-life experiences to educate and motivate everyday people.
Read Story
Exploring the intersection of African fabrics, textiles and identity while creating a platform for talented and aspiring models to showcase their fashion sense and skills.
Read Story
A high-level international platform designed to foster strategic partnerships, trade expansion and investment collaboration between Ghana and Yorkshire.
Explore GYTIS 2026Whether you need support, want to contribute your skills or want to help strengthen our work, there is a place for you within the SHOFT community.
Access information, guidance, opportunities, signposting and support designed to help you participate, develop and move forward.
Find SupportShare your time, professional expertise, skills and experience by supporting programmes, events, research, mentoring, communications and community engagement.
Become a VolunteerHelp us create opportunities, strengthen communities and develop initiatives that support inclusion, empowerment and meaningful participation.
Support SHOFTWhether you are looking for support, want to volunteer your time and expertise, or would like to support SHOFT's work, we would love to hear from you.
