Young people given chance to play key role in NSPCC work

The Young People’s Board for Change, by the NSPCC, will allow young people to have the opportunity to play a defining role in the NSPCC’s mission to prevent child abuse. 

The group has been developed in order to give young people the chance to shape and influence the work of the UK’s leading child protection charity – and is a vital part of the NSPCC’s commitment to ensuring they are right at the heart of its decision making. 

The charity has recruited 15 young people aged between 13 and 16 to represent the views of children and young people and help to shape the work of the NSPCC across the UK. 

Members are from across the UK and have a range of backgrounds, with many having active roles in their local communities and doing a range of work to help others.   

They will use the platform to raise awareness of what matters most to young people, take action and make change happen – while also having a key role advising staff and trustees. 

The pandemic has had a huge impact on young people, with the NSPCC’s Childline service carrying out more than 61,000 counselling sessions on mental health since the start of the first lockdown in March last year. 

Board members 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. 

Yesterday (Tuesday, March 30) they met virtually for the first time – and members say they are excited about getting started in their new roles. They are also keen to talk about the impact of the last year and what needs to be done to support young people in the coming months. 

Board member Elan, aged 16, added: “The past year has been tough for everyone, but for young people who have had to go from socialising everyday with hundreds of students a day to being alone all day every day for months and then back to school again recently, it’s been an especially turbulent time, so I think the most important thing young people need coming out of the pandemic is understanding, patience and to be listened to.” 

Board member Will, aged 15, said: “This role is a chance to make positive change in the world with other like-minded teenagers. I will enjoy being able to be a part of helping create an environment where all young people regardless of gender, sexuality or race have equal and fair chances to make their way in the world and to always feel safe.” 

Lucy Read, NSPCC associate head of participation, said: “The last year has changed the lives of many young people across the UK but, as we now look to the future, the new members of our Young People’s Board for Change have a great opportunity to make their voices heard. 

“We received over 300 applications from young people to join the board and during recruitment, I was impressed by the genuine passion young people had for the NSPCC’s work and a commitment to get involved and make a difference. 

“We believe that a generation of young people should not be defined by the pandemic, so it has never been more important to listen to them and embed their views into everything we do. Children are the experts on their own lives, and there is so much that we can learn from their experiences.”