Gabriella, Mia, and Holly share their experiences working with our Youth Panel and what it means to them
We were delighted to welcome Holly who recently contacted Youth Talk. Pub in the Park was one of the first events she kindly volunteered at and she loved it!
As the sun briefly shone down and the rain poured, our Youth Panel members, Gabriella and Mia also volunteered at our stall, helping us raise awareness of Youth Talk’s counselling service and offering insight into what it means to be part of the team.
At Youth Talk, the voices of young people are at the heart of everything we do. Our Youth Panel plays a crucial role in helping shape our services, ensuring that the support we offer reflects the needs and concerns of the young people we serve. From our brand development to the look and feel of our new home and supporting us with the wording we use on our feedback surveys, the panel advises us on a range of key issues, giving us the guidance we need to continue improving our service.
Gabriella
Gabriella shared that being part of Youth Talk gives her the opportunity to have a direct say in how the charity operates. “What I really appreciate is that we’re around the same age as the young people we’re helping. That makes our input even more important because we understand the challenges our peers face first-hand,” she said.
For Gabriella, joining the Youth Panel was a chance to give back to the organisation that had supported her. “Volunteering gave me the opportunity to help others in the same way I was helped.” She also highlighted the connections she’s made through the panel. “You meet so many new people who share the same passion, and it’s incredible to be involved in shaping the future of the charity across a variety of projects.”
Mia
Mia loves the problem-solving aspect of the panel. “My favourite part of being on the Youth Panel is leading the charge in tackling some of the issues we face, like figuring out how to improve our branding or how to encourage more people to attend our events and meetings,” she said. For her, the collaborative nature of the panel is key. “We solve those issues as a group, and it’s really rewarding to see that our suggestions have a real, positive impact.” Mia’s favourite memory as a Youth Panel member involves attending formal events where she’s been able to meet people from different walks of life. “Dressing up, speaking to people, and dancing the night away at events is always fun. And, of course, good food is always a nice bonus!” she laughed.
Holly
For Holly, it was her desire to make a difference. “I wanted to volunteer with Youth Talk because it’s such a great local charity, and I really wanted to help them make a bigger impact on mental health,” she explained. Volunteering has been a rewarding experience for Holly, who emphasised the social aspect of the role. “We have a lot of fun at events, and it’s such a great way to meet new people. Plus, getting to share the amazing work we do with others while giving back to the community is something I’m really proud of.” She encouraged others to get involved, saying, “If you’re passionate about mental health and want to make a difference, this is the perfect way to do it.”
It’s clear from their stories that the Youth Panel is not only shaping the future of Youth Talk but also offering invaluable experiences for those involved. From meeting new people and making a tangible impact to having a dance at the end of a very wet Sunday afternoon, the panel offers a unique opportunity for young people to contribute to a cause they care about while having fun along the way.
We’re grateful to have such dedicated and passionate young people supporting us. If you’re interested in joining the Youth Panel please email Kaz.
The Great St Albans Challenge
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