“My journey from Youth Voice Team Member to Youth Voice Advisor”

My youth work journey started back in 2016 when I became part of the National Lottery funded Mae Murray Foundation. They are a brilliant charity whose mission is to allow people of all abilities to take part in activities and experience the world in an inclusive environment.

Katie

I also work with the Newtownabbey Arts and Cultural Network (NACN), an organisation that, with the help of National Lottery funding, empowers young people to take part in creative activities.

Both groups mean a lot to me - they have given me so many opportunities that I may not have experienced as a wheelchair user.

My mum has also made a huge difference in my life and been a great inspiration. She has had scoliosis all her life, which came with immense challenges. Accessibility has improved since my mum was growing up, but there's still a long way to go.

At times in my life, I've been unable to attend concerts with friends, events or enter a building because the accessibility needs were not met, which I don't think is fair or right. This gives me the drive to call these places out and fight for better.

In 2022, I joined the Northern Ireland Youth Voice Team and the positivity that this brought into my life is beyond words. I have become more positive in general; my confidence has grown loads and I have made friends for life.

The Youth Voice Team was a real catalyst for change - it enabled me to be involved in discussions on what people with disabilities experience day to day and help to spread awareness of our needs. I could be a voice for young people with disabilities that might not have the confidence to speak out.

After having an amazing experience with the Youth Voice Team, I recently took on a new opportunity at The National Lottery Community Fund as a Youth Voice Advisor. Alongside three other young people, I've been working closely with The UK Fund team to support the decision-making that affects young people and their communities.

I'm enjoying learning about the process of assessing a funding application and I will be looking out for projects that can demonstrate strong Youth Voice understanding and representation. Bringing in the voice and lived experience of young people is so important for shaping the activities of any youth-based project.

One day, I hope to become an Accessibility Manager and my role as a Youth Voice Advisor is building on my experience to help me achieve that ambition.

Katie

About The UK Fund

The UK Fund offers large amounts of funding for existing projects across the UK. It addresses two of the missions in The National Lottery Community Fund's strategy to 2030: 'supporting communities to come together' and 'supporting communities to help children and young people thrive.' More specifically, The UK Fund supports projects that bring diverse communities together or help children and young people use their voice to influence change.

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