The National Lottery Community Fund is the largest funder of children and young people activity across the UK.
Over a third of our funding goes to the smallest of grassroots groups right up to large UK-wide charities to ensure children and young people thrive. We therefore have big plans for 2020 and beyond as we work to make sure young people’s voices are included in all our work, whether it’s through the grants we make, the people we influence or the things we learn.
We strongly believe that when people are in the lead, communities thrive. So, in Wales, we have recruited 10 dynamic young people to work closely, and partner with us, over the coming months.
Through the Young People in the Lead Wales advisory panel, we aim to meet the issues young people and their communities are facing head on, with the aim of steering significant and positive change in communities.
The Young People in the Lead Wales team meet with our Wales Knowledge and Learning team and decide as a team what work to focus on and how it should be achieved. They also receive support and guidance from our staff as part of a tailored training package to develop their skills and experience.
If you have any queries or would like to discuss the group further, please don’t hesitate to contact us wales@tnlcommunityfund.org.uk
Cai is 17 years old and lives in rural Carmarthenshire. He is a member of the Welsh Youth Parliament, and studies Politics, Drama, and ITC at Ysgol Bro Myrddin.
“It’s so important that National Lottery money is helping young people in Wales to build resilience post-Covid-19. I believe by investing in youth projects we can change the social perception of youth and give the best start in life for the next generation.”
Chawan is 20 years old and lives in Wrexham and is studying Health and Social care. She is a member of TCC (Trefnu Cymunedol Cymru / Together Creating Communities), Tros Gynnal Plant Cymru, and part of Wrexham Town of Sanctuary.
“I am interested in helping young people in Wrexham where I live and also all young asylum seekers and refugees in Wales. Like me they have been forced to leave their own home and face challenges making a new life in Wales.”
Elen is 23 years old and lives in Gwynedd. She is a member of the Young Farmers Association (Clwb y Rhiw), and a proud member of staff at Menter Iaith Môn, working across both Anglesey and Gwynedd.
"Any funding that’s offering support to young people is valuable. Young people are the future and therefore it’s important to invest in the next generation. The National Lottery Community Fund is putting young people as the focus of their plans and projects, and how young people can influence and lead on how money is invested."
Eva is 22 years old and from Rutland, and is studying for a Mechanical Engineering Degree at Cardiff University. She is also a lifeguard and swimming teacher.
“I’m excited to work on this project because it will make a real impact onto the lives of young people that I would not otherwise have met or worked with. I also think this project will be interesting because it really is run by young people, for young people.”
Ibby is 19 years old and born and raised in Cardiff, and is studying at university. He is passionate about tackling social injustice and is supporting young people and BAME communities.
“I joined the National Lottery community fund to help find those organisations and community initiatives that are making a difference to young people lives. It is exciting being on this journey as I know together with will do great things for those young people who live in Wales.”
Jessica is 21 years old and is from Aberdare. She will begin studying a BA Creative & Therapeutic Arts degree at University of South Wales this year. In 2019 she and her peers cofounded The What If Project to support and educate young people with their mental health.
“Being part of the Young People in the Lead Wales team is a fantastic opportunity to move forward and support young people in Wales.”
Kim is 22 years old and lives in Swansea and recently graduated from Swansea University in Medical Biochemistry. She works at the Centre of African Entrepreneurship in Swansea as a Youth Entrepreneurship Coordinator supporting young, aspiring and disadvantaged entrepreneurs.
“I am really passionate about youth support and excited about the Young People in the Lead Wales programme. I am looking forward to working with such a diverse and inspirational group of young people to shape funding that will positively impact thousands of lives.”
Rhys is 23 years old and lives in Vale of Glamorgan. He is an Assistant Producer with Fio, an ethnically diverse-led theatre company, and was involved in realising the Race & Wales taskforce to advise the arts sector on equal participation opportunities. He is also an Advisor for the Taliesin Arts Center and a participant on the British Council’s New Narratives Programme.
“I’m delighted to be part of the Wales Young People team. It’s fantastic that National Lottery money is being used to make such a huge difference for young people in Wales, and I'm especially looking forward to seeing how it supports young people from diverse backgrounds and communities to thrive.”
Serena is 22 years old and lives in Hawarden in Flintshire. She works as a Creative Engagement Assistant at Theatr Clwyd working with community groups to use the arts to improve health, wellbeing and accessibility, and wants to support young LGBT+ people in Wales.
“The National Lottery Money is incredibly important because it will allow us to create the spaces needed to facilitate our youth resilience project. The rise of loneliness and mental health issues among young people, especially during the pandemic, have made it more important than ever for us to create an outlet for connection.”
Tilly is 17 years old and studies Sport at Llandarcy Academy of Sport. She works with Ospreys in the Community supporting the community through rugby and other sports.
“Through the Young People in the Lead Wales team, I hope to use sport to support and raise awareness of work being done in Wales for young people.”