Proud Places young ambassador speaks at the House of Lords

Dr Nicola Stacey, Ife Davies, John Phillips, Destine Pinzi, Sir Laurie Magnus and Zoe Craig

Destine chats to Nicola Stacey after completing her My Maiden Speech presentation

Destine shows off her My Maiden Speech certificate from the Speakers Trust.

Proud Places ambassador Destine Pinzi gave an inspiring speech about her work with Heritage of London Trust at the House of Lords last week.

‘Proud Places demonstrates the difference acts of support can make. It has helped me grow in ways I didn’t expect, such as speaking in a room in Parliament, and leading workshops.

Destine supported HOLT as a volunteer in 2023 and 2024 and was made a Proud Places ambassador in 2024.

‘One of the most powerful experiences I’ve had through the Proud Places programme was leading a workshop on The Leaning Woman in Hammersmith. I learned about its sculptor, Karel Vogel, a refugee who fled to the UK during World War II. He rebuilt his life here and found success through art. Like me, he knew what it felt like to be out of place, and his story showed me the strength in resilience and self-expression.

‘During the workshops, I saw young students come in shy and unsure, and leave with pride and confidence. They didn’t just learn about Vogel; they related to him. They created art, wrote poems, and uncovered stories about their own area they’d never known. Watching that transformation reminded me how powerful it is when people feel seen, supported, and proud of where they come from.

‘The Proud Places programme helped me connect with my community by sparking my interest in local events and the history behind where I live.’

Destine took part in the My Maiden Speech event, organised by the Speakers Trust, an opportunity for talented young people to represent different youth charities and speak on a subject they are passionate about. Each attended a workshop about writing and delivering speeches and were provided with the tools, feedback and tips to develop their speeches ahead of last week's event. Destine’s speech was greeted with warmth and admiration by members of the audience who instantly came to share their love of their own local heritage with her.

Eleven young speakers from charities such as London Wildlife Trust, Lord's Taverners, Just Like Us, Voice 21 and The Brilliant Club spoke on a range of topics including mental health, diversity and participation in education and sports. In the audience were Members of the Lords, MPs, community leaders, business leaders and young people.

Congratulations to all the inspiring young people who took part. Special thanks to the Speakers Trust for developing this event; to the Westminster Foundation for their support; and the Jones Day Foundation for their support of the Proud Places programme.