Future Voices: Youth, Music and Community with Shae Stew in Emersons Green

Youth Activities in Emersons Green: A Fresh Start

In this edition of the Future Voices series, we spoke to Shae Stew, the new Youth Liaison Officer for Emersons Green Town Council. Shae’s story shows how passion, creativity, and lived experience can help shape opportunities for young people in South Gloucestershire.

With a career rooted in music, DJing, and youth work, Shae is determined to bring new energy to the community. His plans include building a mobile youth club in Emersons Green, supporting neurodiverse young people, and making sure every voice is heard — from local teens to families connected to the military.

Watch a snippet of our Everything Emersons interview with Shae. The full interview is linked at the bottom of this blog post.

From DJ Decks to Youth Development

Shae’s career began more than 20 years ago when music opened the door to youth work.

“I was a bit of a naughty teenager, but DJing gave me focus,” Shae explains. “That experience turned into a career that’s now lasted 21 years.”

From managing large youth centres in Wiltshire to creating Bristol’s innovative Youth Club on Wheels, Shae has always been about meeting young people where they are.

Now, in Emersons Green, he plans to deliver the same creativity and energy by designing a new community club on wheels to reach young people across the town.

What Does a Youth Liaison Officer Do in Emersons Green?

Shae’s role is about much more than running clubs  -  it’s about community development and engagement.

Every week is different. Some days are spent planning the mobile youth provision for South Gloucestershire, while others are focused on connecting with young people directly in parks, schools, and community spaces.

The vision is simple: activities designed with young people, not just for them. Whether that’s DJ workshops, football sessions, or a space to relax, Shae believes young people should take the lead.

Putting Young People’s Voices First

Youth work thrives when young people are in the driving seat.

“Adults can make decisions, but young people should decide what’s right for them,” Shae says.

Over the coming months, Shae hopes to:

• Engage young people in Emersons Green directly — meeting them where they gather.
  
  

• Offer youth-led activities based on their interests.
  
  

• Use the Town Chamber to involve young people in decision-making.
  
  

For parents, this means future youth services in Emersons Green will be shaped by local young people’s ideas — not imposed from above.

Neurodiversity Support in South Gloucestershire

A key focus of Future Voices is neurodiversity, and Shae brings personal insight to this work.

“I’m very ADHD, and I see it as a superpower,” Shae shares.

His goal is to make Emersons Green a place where neurodiverse young people feel supported, connected, and celebrated. Plans include creating dedicated neurodiversity youth sessions, offering safe spaces for young people to share experiences and make friends.

For parents, this approach provides reassurance that youth services in Emersons Green will be inclusive and accessible, particularly for those who may struggle in mainstream settings.

Supporting Military Families in Emersons Green

With many military families living in Emersons Green, there are unique challenges for young people who often relocate every few years.

Shae recognises the importance of helping families integrate quickly:

“It’s not always easy for military families to connect, and that affects both parents and young people. We need more groups and activities to help people link up straight away.”

By using social media, community outreach, and coordinated local services, Shae aims to ensure military families feel welcome and supported in South Gloucestershire.

Music as a Tool for Youth Engagement

For Shae, music is more than a hobby — it’s a tool for connection, regulation, and community.

From playing in youth clubs at 13 to DJing in Ibiza and now performing at weddings, music has been his lifeline.

“Music regulates me,” he explains. “It can bring out deep emotions or lift me up. And DJing gives me the chance to bring joy to other people too.”

Shae hopes to bring music workshops and DJ sessions to Emersons Green, offering young people creative ways to express themselves while learning new skills.

Advice for Young People Who Want to Make a Difference

Shae believes every young person has the power to create change in their community. His advice is practical and encouraging:

• Find a youth worker or mentor who will support you.
  
  

• Look locally for clubs, volunteering, and community opportunities.
  
  

• Start small — helping neighbours or joining a project can make a big difference.
  
  

• Embrace failure — setbacks are part of learning and growing.
  
  

“Choices are always there,” Shae says. “If you want to follow something, just go for it. Keep going forward.”

Why This Matters for Parents and the Community

For parents in Emersons Green, Shae’s role means:

• More youth activities tailored to young people.
  
  

• Inclusive support for neurodiverse children.
  
  

• Better connections for military families in South Gloucestershire.
  
  

• Stronger community engagement where young voices are heard.
  
  

The message is clear: youth services in Emersons Green are evolving to be more inclusive, creative, and youth-led.

How to Get Involved

If you’re a parent or young person in Emersons Green, South Gloucestershire, there are lots of ways to connect:

• Watch for updates on the mobile youth club.
  
  

• Take part in community consultations and share your ideas.
  
  

• Join activities like DJ workshops, sports sessions, and youth-led projects.
  
  

• Reach out to Emersons Green Town Council to find out more.
  

Future Voices is a youth-led interview and blog series from Everything Emersons, supported by Emersons Green Town Council. We celebrate the voices, stories, and experiences of young people in South Gloucestershire.