Supporting Youth Talk’s #NewHomeNewHope Community Appeal!
Our charity exists to support young people and our work wouldn’t be right if it wasn’t informed by them. Youth Talk’s Youth Panel advise us on a range of projects and issues to help us stay engaged and grow.
Before we launched the community appeal for our new home, we met with them to crowdsource ideas and get their opinion on the move.
You’ve heard a lot from us about what our move will mean for local young people – why not hear from them yourselves?
Below are some of the amazing responses we got!
What will Youth Talk’s move to a new home mean?
We asked our Youth Panel what our move will mean to them, and the young people waiting for our help.
“I think it will encourage so many young people to join and also feel safer and more comfortable. It also gives a more professional setting.”
Youth Panel Member
Seren, 14“The feeling of safety and security; feeling like you have somewhere to go – that feels more important than a generic CAMHS set up.”
Youth Panel Member
Mia, 22“I think that it will better the experience of those who need the help and it will create a comfortable environment for everyone involved.”
Youth Panel Member
Jahleel, 14“I believe Youth Talk’s new home is symbolic of the evolving and ever-branching nature of the charity. I am looking forward to what the new premises will bring and cant wait to see the full plans come to fruition.”
Youth Panel Member
Callum, 17“It’s great to know that our ideas were taken onboard – we were a part of the new fit out. Youth Talk’s new home will have soft furnishings, curtains, feel nice – that’s exciting and welcoming.”
Youth Panel Member
Jake, 14“That more young people can have someone to vent their emotions to and not let things build up. It means they can take control back.”
Youth Panel Member
Mia, 22We were blown away by the diversity of responses to this question. From supporting more local young people in need and growing the charity into the mainstream, to creating a more professional environment – it’s clear that our move to 64 London Road is a hit with our local young people.
Why is confidentiality important?
Our Youth Panel talked a lot about the feeling of safety and security our new home will bring to those using our service.
We dug into this – asking why a confidential space to vent your worries is so important for young people.
“I think so many young people feel that confidentiality is key in their counselling experience. Lots of them don’t want their parents knowing and this will allow them to relax and more openly explain how they feel.”
Youth Panel Member
Seren, 14“The confidential policy is vital in providing young people with security and safety necessary to share without fear. It builds trust within their own mind as they can say exactly what is on it without fear or judgement.”
Youth Panel Member
Mason, 16“I think confidentiality is important because it makes you feel like what you say is safe in the room and so you’re able to feel comfortable with your emotions and the place you’re in.”
Youth Panel Member
Jahleel, 14“Confidentiality is important because not everyone feels safe. Whether its parents, friends or the general public, talking to one person is hard enough. Some people aren’t ready to share everything. Although it seems like we live in a comforting and safe community, bias and judgement are still writhe.”
Youth Panel Member
Mia, 22“It creates a sense of safety. Confidentiality allows people to speak freely and honestly with no fear of judgement.”
Youth Panel Member
Jake, 14“Because feeling safe is one of the most important things in the world.”
Youth Panel Member
Mia, 22We have invested in additional sound proofing in our new home as confidentiality is one of the most important reasons young people access our service. They trust that they won’t be judged and that what they say will stay in that room. Our waiting room and counselling suites are fully furnished with privacy and discretion in mind so that its a safe, welcoming space for them to open up.
Why is talking good?
Our counsellors offer psychodynamic talking therapy.
Our Youth Panel volunteer their time to work with us because they believe in the counselling we provide. So we asked them – why is talking so good for you?
“Talking reduces stress and anger. It allows people to express their emotions in a healthy way. Talking allows people to express how they feel easier. ”
Youth Panel Member
Jake, 14“Talking allows people to solve internal disputes, but it also allows people to take a weight off – avoid the burden of keeping everything jumbled inside you.
Youth Panel Member
Mason, 16“Talking is about control. Talking helps me express thoughts and beliefs. Talking gives me the energy I need to get through the day.”
Youth Panel Member
Callum, 17“Talking is a necessity of communication. You can’t function without sharing. It enables, connections, control and self-expression. Being able to share your thoughts halves the burden of what’s in your head.”
Youth Panel Member
Seren, 14“It stops the build-up of emotions and helps build connections so that when you need to talk you can”.
Youth Panel Member
Seren, 14“Internal thoughts are scary, saying them out loud takes away their power.”
Youth Panel Member
Mia, 22We couldn’t have said it better ourselves!
In one word, what excites you most about our move?
Safety, hope and trust took the top spots but we were particularly inspired by one young persons summary (even though it’s not quite one word):
Help us give local young people the home from home they deserve.
Many young people who access our counselling do so because they struggle to feel comfortable enough to open up about what’s worrying them.
Our move is a massive step forward to achieving our 5 year strategy for growth. We will have twice as much space and the opportunity to offer even more young people a safe, comfortable place to talk.
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