This month I began my final year as Children’s Commissioner and today I am unveiling my new Youth Ambassadors who will play a central role in holding decision makers accountable for the change we need to make England the best place for children to grow up.
Bringing children’s voices to the forefront has been a central mission during my time as Children’s Commissioner. I have loved watching how powerful and articulate my two previous groups of Ambassadors have been – and this year’s cohort will be no different. This upcoming year will be busy and exciting and my Youth Ambassadors will work with me to push politicians to listen and act upon what children and young people have told me they need for a better life and better opportunities.
My first two cohorts of Youth Ambassadors have brought their experiences and the voices of children to Secretaries of State, parliamentary Select Committees, CEOs of major companies and policy makers across government. They have spoken in parliament, given speeches to huge audiences, learnt about government and politics, and have had the opportunity to talk to the media – as well as hosting The Big Conversation podcast.
I’ve asked my new Youth Ambassadors to share the areas of work they are passionate about for the year ahead. You can find out more about the Youth Ambassadors programme here.
Meet my new Youth Ambassadors
Arianne: I am passionate about creating safe social spaces for children, especially young girls. I’m excited for this opportunity to drive positive change.
Safwan: I want to make sure young people feel safe, secure and united – so that we prioritise love and compassion over hatred and division.
Ella: I am passionate about encouraging young people to recognise the power of their voice so they feel confident to ask for help, report harmful and discriminative behaviour, and can articulate how they are feeling.
Saamiah: I want to embed early, stigma-free mental health and safeguarding support in every school, so no child reaches crisis before they are heard.
Mikey: I am passionate about integrating accessibility and inclusivity for young people with additional needs, including special educational needs and disabilities.
Temi: I want to improve online safety for children and young people and ensure that digital spaces empower rather than exploit them – children’s vices need to shape the policies that are designed to protect them.
Niah: I am deeply committed to supporting children in effectively managing exam related stress and encouraging their overall wellbeing, as well as strengthening the systems and resources to help them achieve this.
Debbie: I’m passionate about equipping children with the right communication skills to build deep, fulfilling relationships. I also want to advocate for women’s sexual health and stand against violence against women and girls because I want everyone to experience heartfelt connections again.
Sasha: I want to ensure that all young people, especially care-experienced children, can feel safe, heard, and supported in school.
Anna: I’m passionate about improving children’s lives through minimising the negative impact of social media, prioritising the importance of health – both mental and physical wellbeing – and changing their perception of life for the better, encouraging to dream big.
Laila: I want to make sure that we are supporting children who struggle with or have been victims bullying feel like they have someone they can trust at school.
Tanvi: I care about ensuring school is always a fair and safe space for all students, regardless of our different backgrounds.
Muhammad: My big ambition is to ensure all children have safe, secure and functional housing which will allow them to prosper in their education.
Sebastian: I am passionate about advocating for all children to have access to the support they need with their mental health – as well as confronting the rise in misogyny among boys.
Oscar: My big ambition is to champion fitness and exercise in young people and develop a more varied sports curriculum in schools as part of a healthy lifestyle.
Isis: I am passionate about getting young people the opportunities which can help shape their future career and providing essential education on women’s health in schools.
Summer: I am passionate about improving early identification, intervention, support and understanding of eating disorders so that every child and young person feels understood and able to access help without delay.
Benjamin: My aim is to integrate children’s mental health into government choices and make it a more common and consistent topic without stigma.
Fasanya: I care about ensuring children’s voices meaningfully shape policies and services that affect them, so young people are partners in decision-making, not just consulted as a tick-box exercise.
