We’ve partnered with Leaders Unlocked to give young people a stake in our decision-making and a voice on the issues that matter to them.

“Having grown up in South London, I have been able to observe the adverse effects of youth violence. My observations have led me to conclude that vulnerable communities and individuals are often neglected. Joining the Youth Advisory Board provided me with the opportunity to assess the things being done to help improve the circumstances of those that experience these adversities. I believe that if we see problems in the world that we believe to be solvable, then we have a divine duty to be part of the solution. The Youth Advisory Board serves as a good entry point to being part of the solution. I also hope that in participating, my lived experiences will serve as a value-add to the decision making processes at the Youth Endowment Fund.”

“I wanted to get involved in the work Youth Endowment Fund do from hearing about the work and research they do around youth violence and its relevance to my job as a youth worker. I felt that it would develop my knowledge and understanding of youth violence, which is affecting young people and society in all areas of the country. In a year’s time I would like to think I have gained a broader knowledge of youth violence and the research taking place. And have developed myself professionally through the courses and CPD the YEF offer to Youth Advisory Board members, whilst making some good relationships with likeminded people across England and Wales who care about ending youth violence.”

Youth violence is a really important issue that has deeply affected me and those around me. As a medical student, I am keen to explore the intersection between youth violence and healthcare, and the work that the Youth Endowment Fund does in assisting a public health approach and diversion strongly appeals to me. I hope that as a Youth Advisory Board we appreciate our rich and varying experiences and embrace this diversity, allowing us to find unique and creative solutions to help reduce youth violence and improve the lives of young people. My motivation for change is reinforced by my role as an NHS Youth Forum member, where I further work with healthcare professionals in the struggle against youth violence and health inequalities.

“I feel like there are a few reasons that led me to become involved in the YEF’s work but the main reason would be after appreciating how much other individuals helped me turn my life around just by having faith in me to do better and how much I’d love to do that for someone else. To help at least one person is my main goal and I feel that branching out into training and hopefully becoming a more useful and developed member of the Youth Advisory Board will definitely enhance my skillset and enable me to branch out into more youth work.”

“One of my main motivations to join the Board is having the opportunity to speak up about youth violence and what we can do as young people to prevent it alongside organisations such as the Board.  I want to encourage young people to come to the realisation that life has much more to offer. That no matter what, there is always a second chance and a better future ahead.  

I would like to see how we have encouraged young people to engage in this type of conversation. I would like to raise awareness about youth violence and how we can, together, stop it. Hopefully, in a year’s time, more people will join the Board and set an example for others to keep this work alive.”

“The reason I wanted to get involved in the Youth Endowment Fund is because I’m passionate about breaking the cycle of violence affecting children and young people. I believe that being part of a team of young people with varying experiences of the issues will bring together different perspectives to consider how to tackle youth violence as a whole. I hope that the Youth Advisory Board will help the YEF to reach a lot of young people and influence how the money is spent and awarded to grassroots community organisations.”

“Having grown up in inner-city London, I thought that I had escaped youth violence by going to a top university. Despite this, I was attacked by a group on my way home. I now understand that we must all do our part to instil and encourage preventative measures to support at-risk young people.

I hope that I can leverage my past experiences to help the Youth Advisory Board to empower organisations leading the change that we all want to see.”