Young people are being given the chance to shape and influence the UK’s leading child protection charity with the launch of a new group.
The Young People’s Board for Change will be a vital part of the NSPCC’s commitment to ensure children and young people are at the heart of its decision making.
The charity is looking to recruit 15 young people aged between 13 and 16 to represent the views of young people and help to shape the work of the NSPCC across the UK.
Make change happen
The Board members will use the platform to raise awareness of what matters most to young people, take action and make change happen. They will also have a big role internally at the organisation advising staff and trustees.
The young people will take part in new experiences and opportunities, meet other young people, as well as develop confidence and learn life-long new skills, such as campaigning and public speaking.
Over a two-year period, members will be involved in sharing what’s important to them, take part in residentials, meetings and workshops, and campaign to share their views and opinions.
Change lives
Recently, the NSPCC appointed Ife Grillo, 22, and Sheanna Patelmaster, 24, as trustees with a specialist focus on working with and supporting the Young People’s Board for Change. The Young People’s Board for Change is the next stage of an important journey to better represent young people’s views and include them in the charity’s work.
Lucy Read, who works with young people at the NSPCC to support and encourage them, said: “Children and young people all over the UK have had an incredibly difficult year, the Young People’s Board for Change offers an exciting opportunity for them to share what matters most to them, be heard and change the lives of others.”
“We are committed to ensuring that young people are empowered and that their opinions are listened to. Children are the experts on their own lives, and I am looking forward to learning from the new Board who will provide an important new perspective. It’s vital that we put children and young people first and embed their views into everything we do in our fight for every childhood.”
The deadline for completed applications is January 11 and interviews will be held between January 18 to 21.
Young people find out more and apply by filling out an application form, or completing one online at: nspcc.org.uk/boardforchange.