International Youth Day 2020: ‘We have a voice and, finally, it is being heard’
Fiona Simpson
Tuesday, August 11, 2020
Loren Townsend Elliot, 21, is part of an advisory panel of young people working with the UK’s largest funder of community activity to support those affected by Covid-19.
Loren works on National Lottery-funded projects ‘Putting Down Roots’ and ‘Our Bright Futures’.
To mark the United Nations’ InternationalYouth Day 2020 (12 August), she reflects on her involvement in The National Lottery Community Fund’s ‘Young People In The Lead’ advisory panel which features in CYP Now's #Chances4Children campaign:
In a post-COVID world, youth voice needs a space around the table. Coupled with the anxiety of economic downfall and loss in jobs, young people face uncertainty about education, reduced capacity in mental health services, and the predicted rise in gangs and violence. The only way to create lasting solutions is to have young people involved.
The National Lottery Community Fund’s Young People in the Lead (YPIL) advisory team has given me a voice, which, post-pandemic, is vital for lasting solutions. The panel truly is youth-led; our ideas, thoughts, and suggestions - from our session to funders about what a ‘quality’ youth programme looks like to what we want to achieve as part of the YPIL team - lead the way.
I became a YPIL member because I felt I had something to say. I have years of experience of issues affecting young people and working within the third sector. I wanted to make a difference - to join conversations and make sure they are rooted in young people’s reality. Not only have I gained confidence and experience, I have the chance to influence the funding decisions at the fund and beyond - affecting thousands of young people across the UK.
My aim is to highlight the importance of mental health as we come out of lockdown; even more resources and resilience are needed to support young people during such an uncertain time. It is vital that teachers and youth workers have a secure understanding of how mental health issues affect the young people they work with. I hope to start a conversation around these topics, and, more importantly, to create tangible outcomes and ways forward.
I am beginning to think of what legacy I can leave behind. I want to pave the way for the next generation of young people - for all young people to know their thoughts, opinions, and suggestions matter. We have a voice and, finally, it is being heard.
