Olympian athlete Phoebe Gill appointed as Youth Talk Ambassador
We are delighted to announce the launch of our new Ambassador programme with the appointment of local athlete and Olympic hero Phoebe Gill.
No stranger to ‘firsts’, Phoebe has achieved record-breaking success on the running track which saw her clinch 800m gold in the British Athletics Championships in June and reach the semi-finals in the Paris Olympics.
Phoebe’s role will see her champion the work of Youth Talk and its mission to support the mental health of young people.
A firm believer in the power of open conversations about mental health, the work of Youth Talk is close to Phoebe’s heart. She said:
“I’ve experienced my fair share of performance anxiety, it’s a tough battle to fight, especially when there are people watching. I know how isolating and debilitating anxiety can feel, which is why I am passionate about raising awareness for Youth Talk and the valuable service that they offer young people.
“Growing up, myself and my family – like many others – faced our own battles which created an environment where mental health and self-care were appreciated.”
Through its new Ambassador programme Youth Talk aims to help raise awareness and engage the public to help secure support for the vital work of the charity which provides free, confidential counselling for 13–25-year-olds in St Albans and the wider district.
Phoebe has witnessed peers who have self-harmed, suffered with eating disorders and other really tough life issues so knows how important it is for young people to have access to mental health support and someone non-judgemental to talk to.
Phoebe adds: “Not all children and young people are fortunate enough to be surrounded with those who are willing to listen, which can be extremely isolating and dangerous.
“Youth Talk provides such a vital service to young people by offering a confidential and non-judgmental space to discuss their mental health. It’s a place where they can feel understood and supported, and where they can learn healthy coping mechanisms. I believe that everyone deserves to have access to this kind of support, and I’m committed to helping Youth Talk reach as many young people as possible.”
David Barker, Chief Executive of Youth Talk said: “I am absolutely delighted that Phoebe has kindly agreed to become an official Ambassador for Youth Talk. As a local young person and impressive Olympic athlete, it is great to have someone of Phoebe’s standing and profile associated with the vital work of the charity.
“She is such a fantastic champion for mental health and has already been a great advocate for our work, speaking at a recent event and encouraging her school to raise money for the charity. We are all really looking forward to welcoming her as part of our special Youth Talk family”.
New Ambassador Programme
The charity will be developing a number of different Ambassadorial roles in the coming months including special Business Ambassadors, Community and Schools Ambassadors as well as developing their well established and active Youth Panel.
Christmas Treeasy supporting Youth Talk
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