A reflection of Vocalized

I’m RP, 13 years old and I joined Vocalized as I wanted something more fun and creative to do. I was having a hard time at school with all the work. They’ve told me I’ve got ADHD so I’m working on that.

I thought I’d try to learn to play an instrument as my mum said that’s something that would take my mind of things and I might enjoy it. At first I wasn’t sure but when I met the Vocalized tutor, they were really nice to me. I missed the first few lessons because I was in detention at school but once I started going in more, I learnt how to play the bass guitar better and it was actually quite fun. I really enjoyed the time to practice and it’s good to work on something that I’m actually improving in. I even asked my mum to get me a bass guitar for Christmas.

It was really good to make new friends and meet other people who also enjoyed making music. I feel more confident now to be around other people and also try to work towards better results at school by going into more and trying to learn new things.

Vocalized gave me a new focus and I’m really thankful to YAA.

Join our Youth Advisory Board!

Hello,

I hope you’re all having a wonderful Easter holiday. I’m just writing to let you all know that YAA’s Youth Advisory Board is now recruiting and looking for members! The Youth Advisory Board is going to be made up of 15 members aged 15-18 and will work closely with YAA’s leadership team and other staff across the organisation! 

Our goal is to amplify young people’s voices and help YAA stay true to holding young people’s voices at the heart of everything they do. We will provide feedback on the quality and experiences on the services that YAA provides so that they can make improvements and adjustments that young people would like to see across their work!! 

Joining the Youth Advisory Board is going to be a great opportunity to meet new people, work on essential skills such as teamwork, resilience, organisation and creativity, shape and get stuck into projects across YAA’s services (including fundraising, campaigning, media and communications) and being in the YAB will look great on your CV’s!!!!!

To apply, please click on this link by May 8th. 

Looking forward to seeing you at the YAB soon. 

Thanks

Maryam :-)

(YAA young person)


Happy New Year - in the words of a young person

Hey guys! I hope you’ve had a fantastic holiday so far. This year has been quite tricky for some and maybe quite nice for others but going into 2022 we should leave all those issues behind and focus on moving forward into a positive and opportunity filled year.

To start 2022 off on a positive note you could make a list of new years resolutions and goals for the year to come, whether it is working on school work or relationships or even your mental health, it is always good to set a clear path in the direction that you want to go, and during this year you may lose your path or encounter some tricky times, and that’s okay because not every day is going to be perfect.

If you are going through a tricky time whether it’s school, home, work or friendships please share with a trusted friend or adult as talking things out can really help.

As exciting as it can be moving on into a new year, it is always important to reflect on the year that has passed and everything that has happened whether it is good or bad, as this will help us move on into the new year and ensure that we have the best year possible.

Maybe this new year you may want to pick up a new hobby, try learning a new skill, or start a new project. But either way I hope you all have a lovely New Year and see it as an opportunity to grow and be the best you can be. Because this year is going to be the year.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Maryam.A
(YAA young person)

We're still here for you in 2021 and onwards

We know it’s been a hard year for everyone, and for young people more than most. In the meanwhile, we’ve had the opportunity to develop our digital platforms to ensure we stay connected with young people and offer alternative provision online to keep our young people engaged in innovative activities; through delivering our Staying Connected and Digital Stop projects.

During Christmas 2020, we successfully delivered over 200 hampers and had the pleasure to work with Chelsea FC Foundation in doing this. We’d like to thank all our participants who have supported and engaged with us throughout the years and look forward to seeing you again this year.

We will be posting monthly blog updates to keep you informed with all that is happening at YAA.

Stay Safe and Well

Youth Action Alliance