Fifteen 13- to 16-year-olds have been recruited to represent the views of children and young people and influence decision making within the NSPCC.
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Members have been chosen from 300 applicants from across the UK and a variety of backgrounds.
Many have active roles in their local communities helping others, the charity said.
They will use the platform to raise awareness of what matters most to young people while also advising staff and trustees.
Over a two-year period, members will be involved in sharing what’s important to them as well as taking part in residentials, meetings and workshops, and campaigning to share their views and opinions.
They are also keen to voice the impact of the last year on their lives and share what they believe needs to be done to support young people in the coming months.
Board member Elan, aged 16, said: “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, added: “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.”
Last year, 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.
Latest figures show that the NSPCC’s Childline service carried out more than 61,000 counselling sessions on mental health since the start of the first lockdown in March last year.
The NSPCC says it is vital that their voices are represented as the country recovers from the health crisis and is calling on the government to put young people at the centre of its recovery plans.
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.”
