A Powerful Evening at Chelmsford Cathedral

Posted 24 Mar 2026

Shaping Essex Assembly: A Powerful Evening at Chelmsford Cathedral

On 24th March, USP College students and staff joined 146 community leaders at Chelmsford Cathedral for the Citizens Essex Shaping Essex Assembly. Educators, faith groups, local residents, and representatives from schools, colleges, and universities across Essex came together to address three issues with direct impact on people's lives: transport, mental health, and housing.

The Assembly drew voices from Southend, Chelmsford, and Colchester. The diversity in the room was deliberate. Real change requires real representation, and this was an evening built on exactly that principle.

USP students Gem Day and Phoebe Olney did not attend as observers. Both took on active roles.

Gem stood in front of hundreds of people and spoke honestly about something many young people navigate silently: the daily struggle of unreliable, unaffordable bus travel and what it actually costs students trying to reach education. Her words carried weight because they were real. That is the kind of voice that moves a room, and moves policy.

Phoebe took on the role of official timekeeper for the Assembly, a responsibility that kept the entire evening on track in front of a packed Cathedral. Quiet leadership, executed brilliantly.

This is what USP College means by learning that lasts. Not just qualifications, but the ability to walk into unfamiliar spaces, contribute meaningfully, and engage with issues that shape the communities students will live and work in.

Over 700 one-to-one conversations took place across the evening, deepening connections between organisations and individuals committed to driving change. The outcomes will feed into campaigns ahead of the 2028 Mayoral elections, giving the voices heard that night a reach well beyond the Cathedral.

Young people aren't just the future, they're leaders right now.

Danny Chapman, Student Engagement Officer

Student Engagement Manager Kerry Amos and Student Engagement Officer Danny Chapman attended alongside Gem and Phoebe. The Assembly closed with participants raising ribbons in a shared commitment to making Essex fairer, safer, and more connected.

USP College is proud of the role our students played. This is only the beginning.