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Sussex Speak Out Challenge

Giving young people in Sussex the confidence and opportunity to speak out on the issues that matter to them.

Event Announcement 2025:

Sussex Speak Out Final

📍 Brighton Dome, East Sussex
📅 Thursday 26th June, 6:30 PM

Tickets will be made available soon! To express interest, email us here

The Sussex Speak Out Challenge is designed and delivered by Speakers Trust to encourage Year 10 students to develop public speaking and communication skills as well as build self-esteem and agency. 

This programme is highly subsidised and linked to the Skills Builder framework to further unlock learning and boost academic outcomes. 

How it Works: 

  • During the academic year, schools receive a free, full-day, expert-led workshop in public speaking and communication skills.
  • The student’s confidence in speaking to an audience, without notes, is measured at the beginning and the end of the day.
  • After the workshop, selected students will enter the Sussex Speak Out Challenge competition – sharing their speeches in school at their Assembly Final and later at the Sussex Final.
  • Speeches will be watched by a panel of local VIPs and decision-makers and students will have the opportunity to share their message even further using Speakers Trust social media platforms. 

According to the data collected from last year’s participants:

78% of students have increased their confidence to stand up and talk to a group of people.

86% of students increased their ability to present ideas in an effective way when speaking in front of a group.

 

Last year’s winner Isla Harris said

 “Speak Out Challenge really gave me a voice I didn’t know I had.  I felt so confident and I haven’t felt confident like that before.”


Councillor Mohammed Asaduzzaman, Mayor of Brighton & Hove, presented the certificates and awards of the evening and said,

‘This is an opportunity for young people who have no chance to express themselves. We need to give the chance to break down barriers and let them speak.”

Get inspired by our Sussex Speak Out Challenge Finalist Hivda and her speech called Roe vs Wade.

 

To get your school involved: 

Contact hello@speakerstrust.org for more information. 

Every workshop booked includes a space in the competition.