Oluferanmi Balogun understands the need for a safe space. Growing up in a crowded London apartment, she shared a small bedroom with her sisters and often studied late at night or in the bathroom just to find quiet. Over time, she realised that overcrowded living conditions were not only affecting her ability to study but also her wellbeing and motivation.

Her experience inspired her to create Room Too, a bold, youth-driven project, tackling the inequality of overcrowded housing by transforming underused spaces into safe, inspiring study zones for young people. The idea was to take underused public and private spaces in hybrid working spaces, libraries, public buildings, or schools, into study spaces where young people could not only focus on schoolwork but also find access to mentors who could further their education and skill set.

After winning The Conduit’s Young Innovator Award for Social Justice & Inclusion, Olu became even more determined to turn her idea into reality.

The Conduit partnered with Goodsted to launch a private platform where Innovator Award winners and finalists can share opportunities for The Conduit members to volunteer their time and networks in support of their work.

To find the right partners and advice, Olu posted an opportunity asking for introductions to schools and community partners who could help her pilot the project and immediately caught the attention of James Fornara, Principal of All City Arts College and a long-time Conduit member. With almost 30 years of experience working with socially excluded young people, James immediately recognised the potential in Olu’s vision.

“Having worked in education for almost 30 years and often with very disadvantaged learners, Olu’s project really resonated with me,” said James. The two met at The Conduit, and what began as a one-hour conversation became a turning point.

“James was very kind and quick to respond,” Olu recalls. “We met for over an hour, a focused, in-person meeting that really moved things forward.”

James introduced Olu to schools and community partners, offered valuable insight from his years in education, and helped her chart a clear path toward launching her first pilot. For a young social entrepreneur balancing studies and ambition, his support was transformative.

“Hearing an alternative, experience-led perspective on education was invaluable,” Olu said. “It’s not one-size-fits-all, and the support felt two-way.”

Goodsted’s platform played a vital role in turning vision into action, providing the digital framework to manage and track collaborations.

Founded by Conduit member Selin Yigitbasi-Ducker, Goodsted helps organisations and communities like The Conduit mobilise time, skills, and resources for social impact. Its configurable platform supports businesses and public sector organisations in running staff volunteering programmes, engaging suppliers to deliver social value, and streamlining programme management and reporting. In 2026, Goodsted will expand its offering with a collaborative network, connecting organisations and partners to share opportunities, resources, and impact more effectively.

For Olu, that connection with James marked the beginning of Room Too’s journey from concept to action. With mentorship, introductions, and growing visibility, the project continues to expand its reach, creating equitable learning environments that allow every young person, no matter their postcode, to gain access to the safe spaces they need to thrive.

Browse live opportunities and volunteer your skills and time to support the Conduit Innovators: https://app.goodsted.com/conduit/discover/opportunities