NEWS: Groundwork’s Youth Advisory Board 2024 set plans in motion for the year ahead
Groundwork’s Youth Advisory Board (YAB) class of 2024 convened for their first meeting to talk through their ambitious and exciting plans for the year ahead.
The group – made up of 18 people aged 16-24 – were recruited to the YAB in January 2024, and is made up of young people from all walks of life, across the UK. As well as getting to know each other, the group also had the opportunity to learn more about Groundwork, and the different teams across the organisation, and set plans in motion for an exciting policy research project ahead of the General Election.
I am passionate about community engagement and youth empowerment. I’m thrilled to be part of Groundwork’s Youth Advisory Board to collaborate and have the opportunity to work on initiatives that give young voices a platform, promoting teamwork and creating a positive impact for our community.
Ruby, 17, from Merseyside
I am immensely proud to be on the YAB. I believe it’s incredibly empowering, and I’m so happy to help guide Groundwork’s nationwide policy, to help input a youth perspective to continue the tradition of keeping the charity true to its nature of being grounded in the nation’s diverse voices.
Jed, 20, from Lancashire
I’m excited to learn more in my role at Groundwork to support building sustainable communities and creating a more hopeful future.
Niamh, 21, from Belfast
The YAB plays a key role to the charity, with those involved offering their insight and lived experience to shape strategy and on-going development. Members have the opportunity to see behind the scenes of a national charity all while developing confidence, skills and the opportunity to share their opinions and experience with both Groundwork colleagues and peers.
Graham Duxbury, Groundwork’s UK Chief Executive, said: “As an organisation committed to supporting communities we know how important it is to listen to a wide range of voices. Our Youth Advisory Board ensures that the campaigns, programmes and services we deliver at a national level are informed by the views and experiences of young people. We also know that young people can be powerful advocates of our work – whether that’s connecting people with nature, helping people get green jobs or driving community-led climate action. I’m always bowled over by the energy, commitment and ideas generated by our YAB members and am really excited about what we can achieve with their help in the year ahead.”
Groundwork first started the Youth Advisory Board in 2016 and each year since has invited young people from across the UK to join and make a difference.
Notes to Editors
For more information please contact: media@groundwork.org.uk
About Groundwork
Groundwork is a federation of charities with a collective mission to take practical action to create a fair and green future in which people, places, and nature thrive. We support communities and businesses to build capacity and resilience in order to tackle hardship, achieve a just transition to net-zero and help nature recover in a way that reduces inequality and leads to healthier, happier lives for all: www.groundwork.org.uk