This Acumen Fellow is urging his community to ‘sit in the uncomfort zone’

Marcellus Baz BEM (Baz), 2020 UK Acumen Fellow, is the founder and CEO of Switch Up and The Marcellus Baz Foundation, both of which form the award-winning five-pillar model that transforms the lives of disadvantaged young people from communities affected by crime and violence, and transitions them into employment, training, and further education.

Baz shared his vision of bringing together diverse sectors and encouraging collaboration during the launch event for Uniting Nottz, an inspiring local initiative that aims to act as a forum for private, public, and third sector organizations to discuss the pressing systematic issues facing Nottinghamshire, co-create solutions, and be willing to sit in the uncomfort zone.

A personal journey towards change

Baz, one of the driving forces behind this initiative, founded Switch Up after experiencing firsthand the impacts of disadvantage, trauma, and poverty. His motivation is rooted in a desire to provide opportunities where there were none. Through introspection and open conversations with others who have faced similar struggles, Baz developed a five-pillar model that has gained traction in both public and private sectors.

Vicky McClure, a proud patron of Switch Up, attended the Television Workshop (a BAFTA award-winning drama group in Nottingham), an initiative designed to be inclusive and talent-focused, and echoes this sentiment. Vicky emphasizes the importance of spaces that are free from judgment, where creativity can flourish regardless of wealth or background. 

Together, Marcellus and Vicky workshopped ideas around how all stakeholders in the community can contribute towards, and be accountable for, an equitable city. Vicky stated, 

She also recognized that half the battle is trying to get ‘solutions from the top,’ which is a nod to years of government service and funding cuts. The power is in the hands of the community.

National issues in a local context

Nottinghamshire, like many regions, is grappling with several critical challenges. The shadow of the pandemic lingers, leaving many in need of support and healing. The educational system is under strain, and the mental health of young people has taken a significant hit. The cost of living crisis has created a landscape where many face heartbreaking choices, like “heating or eating,” and Baz recalls a particularly devastating visit to a single mother with only a tin of baked beans in her house the week before Christmas. Moreover, we are witnessing unimaginable conflicts on a global level. It is not an exaggeration to say that communities are in crisis. As Baz reflects, 
 

This sentiment underscores the need for collective action and empathy, particularly toward those who are often marginalized by societal labels; something Baz empathetically feels exacerbates isolation and contributes to perpetuating cycles of harm. 


Bringing diverse voices together to find solutions 

Uniting Nottz recognizes that the opportunities lie with engaging the right stakeholders and facilitating meaningful conversations. Leaders in both the public and private sectors must look beyond their individual spheres of influence.

A thought-provoking panel discussion brought together representatives from various sectors, including the NHS, police force, education, charity, and local business, providing space for sectors to not only share accounts of pressing issues they are facing, but also recognizing where there are opportunities to work collaboratively to build solutions. One such example is a developing partnership between Switch Up and a local construction company, creating a potential pipeline of employment and apprenticeship opportunities for the young people Switch Up supports. 

A long-term approach to listening

While the conversations and spirit of the event had clear impact and interest from guests in attendance, there was a desire for this to not be a ‘one off’ where the sentiment is quickly forgotten about. To ensure the movement continues, and reaches many more members of the Nottinghamshire community, a podcast is currently in the works. Under the Hood - a clever name that pays homage to local folklore legend Robin Hood and simultaneously references the “hood” label given to many young people at the heart of the evening’s discussions - will serve as a platform for unheard voices, facilitating accountability and difficult conversations. Community members can explore key issues facing Nottinghamshire and propose positive steps forward. It’s a space not only for debate but also for showcasing the strength of community resilience.

It’s inspiring to see Acumen’s moral leadership principles woven into this initiative: listening to voices unheard, holding opposing values in tension, and telling stories that matter. With its focus on accountability and community engagement, Under the Hood has the potential to spark lasting change and foster a deeper sense of connection among residents, perhaps with a model that can be replicated at a national level. Watch this space!