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Young people given chance to work with the NSPCC

THE NSPCC is looking to recruit 15 young people aged 13 to 16 to become part of its Young People’s Board for Change

The board gives young people the opportunity to have a say on what matters most to them to influence the work of the UK’s leading child protection charity.

A teenager from Wales has shared her experience of being part of the NSPCC’s Young People’s Board For Change.

Kasia, 16, from Blaenau Gwent, has been one of 15 young people who has helped to play a defining role in the NSPCC’s mission to prevent child abuse over the past two years.

The board was first launched in February 2021 with the aim to give young people the chance to shape and influence the work of the UK’s leading child protection charity.

Kasia, who has been on the board for the last two years, said: “I’ve had an exceptional experience, and definitely grown in confidence.

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“Highlights have been opportunities like working with Childline to film content for their social media, and meeting HRH The Countess of Wessex.

“My favourite thing has definitely been working with the other members and teams across the NSPCC to make positive change for other young people. I’ve learnt to not be afraid to speak up on issues that I’m passionate about.”

Over the past two years, the current board members have taken part in a vast range of activities and events, and they have consulted on some of the charity’s biggest campaigns.

This includes a wide range of work to support the NSPCC’s Wild West Web campaign to influence the Government to introduce a robust Online Safety Bill to ensure young people are safe online.

Members have had the chance to speak to MPs and decision-makers in Westminster, attend the Labour and Conservative party conferences to take part in a round-table discussion and share their views with MPs, and recently they spoke at an event in the House of Lords to share why the Online Safety Bill is so vital for them.

They have also worked to help shape the work of Childline, including creating content for the service’s social channels on topics that matter to them including Pride month, Black History Month, body image, and bullying recovery.

And they also supported the creation of NSPCC’s new secondary school service, Talk Relationships. They shared their perspectives of healthy relationships education and input into every stage of the development of the service.

Applications are now open for a new group of 13-16-year-olds to join the board for the next two years.

Any young person from the UK can apply and if they secure a place, they can use this platform to raise awareness of what matters most to young people, take action and make change happens – while also having a key role advising NSPCC staff and trustees.

Over a two-year period, board members will take part in residentials, meetings and workshops, meet other young people, as well as develop confidence and learn life-long skills, such as campaigning and public speaking.

Zazie Clarke, NSPCC Participation Team Manager said: “I’m excited for a new group of young people to join our Young People’s Board, to share more ideas and insight.

“The past two years with our current members have been fantastic and I’ve been impressed by their genuine passion for the NSPCC and Childline’s work, and their commitment to getting involved and making a difference.

“At the NSPCC we are determined to make sure we embed the views of young people at the heart of everything we do.

“Children are the experts on their own lives, and there is so much that we can learn from their experiences.

“I’d encourage anyone who is interested in having a platform to get young people’s voices heard to apply.

“There are many great opportunities that you’ll be able to get involved in to help influence change and represent what matters most to young people.”

Young people can apply to join the Young People’s Board For Change in Welsh.

Visit nspcc.org.uk/boardforchange to apply. Applications close on January 23.

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