Hear from the young people we work with

Bethan, Young NCB Advisory Group member and Young Research Advisor

'NCB have given me tremendous experiences and loads of skills, since joining them two years ago. During this time they’ve allowed me to go to parliament, give evidence to a select committee and also given me the chance to speak at conferences. There is no way I would have been able to do this without NCB, as they’ve taught me how to deliver training, presentations and speeches with ease, which also helps me in class and day to day life with my public speaking skills. Each meeting or event I’m at, the feeling of warmth and acceptance radiates, and I’m proud to represent such an amazing organisation. I feel safe and my opinion is always listened to, and valued. Without them, I’d still be sitting at home, reading the news thinking I could never make a difference in any level to society. Now I know differently. Now I know I am able to change the world. I know that young people’s voices are heard, and make a difference. 

NCB has inspired me so much that I now have the confidence to campaign on other issues, such as the education system and addressing period stigma in society.'

Thivya, former YNCB member and current Young Trustee

My first meeting with NCB was when I was 15. I was so shy and nervous but the staff and other YNCB member were so inclusive and supportive that you could visibly see my confidence grow throughout the day. A few months later I received an email with the report of our suggestions. I was so proud that I was able to make a meaningful contribution. This inspired me to get more involved. 

After this, I began attending National Participation Forum meetings which NCB was hosting. At 16, I began as an observer and then grew in confidence. Then at 17, I was co-chairing the meetings. I was able to contribute to the participation of young people in the whole sector. It was a great opportunity to develop and expand on my communication, leadership and organisation skills.

At 18, I got the opportunity to do work experience with the Policy Department at NCB. This was an amazing opportunity to get an insight into policy development and research. After this, I began to seriously consider a career in policy influencing in the public/charity sector. I got the opportunity to do real work and take a part in the work that NCB from finance to communications and the Senior Leadership Team (SLT). 

A few months later, I applied for the role of Young Trustee and was lucky enough to get accepted. After over 3 years as a board member, I went from waiting to be asked a question to meetings to now initiating questions and properly engaging in meetings. I am confident asking questions from the SLT. 

Overall, I have developed greater confidence in my listening, speaking, presenting, scrutinising, managing  projects, leadership and teamwork skills.

Regarding my personality, I am just more confident. I am more of a self-starter and inspired to make a change. I want a career where I feel like I am making a difference. 

Saaria, Young NCB member

‘I joined NCB in 2010 and have had many opportunities to be part of health consultations, seminars and advisory group meetings. Every event I have participated in has made me feel valued as a young person and I can express my views and opinions coherently.

The staff are always helpful so I feel safe and my confidence has grown. During 2013/14 I was involved in the early stages of planning and developing “The Big Discussion” with Birmingham Children’s Hospital and the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health. We wanted to create a platform that would help us to raise concerns about the National Health Service.

I have been fortunate to be part of Young NCB and it has given me the chance to meet many other young people and discuss areas that affect every young person. I hope I have made a difference to the lives of young people. I would thoroughly recommend Young NCB to anyone!’

Jack Welch, Young NCB Member

I’ve been involved with NCB since 2015. I started off as a Young Research Advisor, where I advised on campaigns and priorities for both NCB and the Council for Disabled Children.

Since then, I’ve attended parliamentary receptions and conferences and had the opportunity to speak at events about the work we’ve been doing.

I was also part of an interview panel to select the new trustees who have a vital role in the governance of the charity.

Volunteering at NCB has given me the opportunity to access events that I never would have been able to access before, and I’m very grateful for that.

There’s so much to be part of at NCB and it’s inclusive of all young people who want to join!

Priyanka Jeyashanker, Young NCB Member

Since joining NCB in 2010, I’ve had many opportunities to get involved with NCB’s work, including attending events, meetings and seminars. Each activity I’ve been part of has been enjoyable and beneficial, as I’ve been able to freely express my views to people who really value my opinion.

As a Young NCB member, I’ve gained more confidence, met new people and spoken out on issues that have an impact on my life as a young person. Young NCB has allowed me to get involved as much or as little as I like, regardless of how busy my schedule is.

I’ve used my voice to make a real difference to young people’s lives. A big achievement was being part of Young NCB’s ‘Is School Preparing You for Life?’ campaign, which resulted in financial education being made compulsory at school.

Seeing results like this is why I’ve continued to participate as much as I can for the past six years.

I would thoroughly recommend Young NCB to anyone.