“I was encouraged to join YAB. I didn’t want to at first, but everyone said it would be good for me, so I did, and I’m really glad I did.”

At her first session, MR stayed quietly in the background. She sat as far away from the group as she could, barely spoke, and mostly listened. Although she recognised a few people, she wasn’t part of any friendship groups. She appeared shy, anxious, and found the environment overwhelming, leaving the room a couple of times before being gently encouraged to rejoin.

Staying for the full session was a big step for her. Afterwards, staff took time to speak with MR one‑to‑one, offering reassurance and support, and inviting her to take part in upcoming Bleed Control training. Although nervous, she agreed to attend. That session was challenging, she left the room twice, but each time returned with encouragement, showing real determination.

Recognising how intimidating it can be to join an already well‑established group, staff also spoke with the rest of the board about being supportive, welcoming and aware of the needs of others. That conversation made a real difference.

The second training session became a turning point. Working in pairs and small groups during practical activities, MR pushed herself to join in. Slowly, things began to change, she started talking more, laughing, and building connections with others. By the end of the session, she was sitting next to new friends, smiling and engaging confidently.

“The first aid training was something I’d always wanted to do. I now know I can help someone if they have an accident.”

From that moment on, MR’s confidence continued to grow. She began attending every face‑to‑face session, joining discussions and feeling fully part of the group. Her presence shifted from quiet observer to active participant.

Although she wasn’t part of YAB during earlier poetry sessions, she showed a strong interest when other members shared their work. Encouraged by her peers, MR wrote her own poem and shared it with the group, as a result receiving really positive feedback. She went on to help write a group poem and volunteered to perform it at an evening event alongside another YAA group.

Later in the year, MR attended St Charles College with her mum and recited the poem in front of a live audience. What followed was a moment no one will forget - she received a standing ovation.

“I’ve never done anything like this before. It was scary, but I’ve found a new confidence since being part of YAB.”

Her confidence didn’t go unnoticed at home either. “I don’t know where this has come from - she’s a new MR. It’s wonderful to see her gaining confidence. It’s so exciting.” - Mum of MR

MR’s journey shows the powerful impact of a supportive, inclusive youth environment. Through patience, encouragement and opportunities to step out of her comfort zone, she’s found her voice, built confidence, and discovered what she’s capable of - both within YAB and beyond.

YAB gave her the chance to speak up, share her opinions, and feel confident doing so without feeling shy or holding herself back. “I wanted to work more alongside my friends, spend extra time with them, and explore how we could get closer to the community.”

As the year progressed, A.B. became even more motivated by the opportunities available through the programme. The campaign work in particular gave her a real sense of purpose and pushed her to step up. “This year felt really motivating. As part of the campaign, there were more events we could attend and more chances to meet up and do team‑building activities.”

One of A.B.’s biggest personal goals was building confidence, especially in situations where she wasn’t surrounded by her friends. Public speaking was something she found challenging, but also something she wanted to work on. “I’m quite shy when I’m not with my friends. The public speaking workshop really helped me. Speaking in public still puts me under pressure, but it’s a good pressure, a challenge I know I can overcome.”

That growth showed clearly in how A.B. engaged with the programme. She became one of the most proactive members of the group, taking part in every volunteering opportunity offered that quarter, attending all MLF workshops and events, and leading liaison work with her local school. She prepared notes ahead of MLF workshops, offered thoughtful feedback to funders on how the showcase could be improved, ideas that were later put into action, and helped write the campaign blurb while coordinating with All Saints School. For the RBKC event, A.B. independently prepared cards and focus group questions shared by the Youth Mayor, showing confidence, organisation and initiative.

During sessions, A.B. regularly volunteers to research tasks and support group work. Her ability to manage deadlines, complete consent forms, and reflect through debriefs shows just how much she’s grown since joining the programme. “I wanted to stop feeling nervous when speaking in public and be more prepared. I want people to take me seriously and not feel intimidated when I talk.”

A.B.’s leadership really came into its own through her involvement in a Mental Health campaign supported by the Mayor of London. She played a key role in advocating for young people, helping raise awareness of mental health issues and working with her school’s PSHE team to pilot a peer‑support programme focused on wellbeing, signposting and early support. Through this work, A.B. strengthened her planning, communication and leadership skills, and her efforts were recognised with a special recognition award, presented at City Hall by the Deputy Mayor of London. “The campaign really drove me. I learned how to listen properly, share my opinions, and speak up when others stay quiet. For the first time, I believed in my ideas and saw them become part of a real project.”

“I wanted to help young people with mental health, because adults don’t always realise how early these problems can start. Mental health affects every part of our lives.”

“I felt seen, and I think I helped others feel seen too, especially when talking about the pressure we’re under with rules and expectations.”

A.B.’s journey shows how youth‑led programmes like YAB can help young people build confidence, develop leadership skills, and create real change in their communities. With the right support and opportunities, she’s grown into a confident advocate who believes in her voice and knows it matters.