Episode 18 - Full transcript

 

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Coming up

Tim Beynon: Hello and welcome to the Charity show, the podcast for charity Insiders by Charity Insiders. Please rate, follow or subscribe to us on your usual podcast platform and here's what's coming up in episode 18.

Piers Townley: I'm constantly in awe with our social media team and the digital natives and the cliche that that is. But they are, they know the score, they're switched on to that generation, they switch onto those social channels which are increasingly important to our comms team. Your comms team. All comms teams across that third sector.

Catherine: I think it's also important to recognise like the less obvious contributions young people can make to charities, for example, young people don't necessarily have disposable income or might have limited finances to actually donate to charities. So having different options for young people to engage in charity work is really important.

Piers Townley: L Anne Kirkman, who's going to commence the gruelling her fight hour Night to sleep out challenge in support of the Leamington based the Esther Project, a charge she launched in 2023.

Tim Beynon: I also need somebody to tell me what on earth skivdy toilet means. What does it mean? You have a clue what skibbyy toilet means? Beers?

Piers Townley: No. You have just ruined my week because I googled it and saw the videos and saw the tsunami of love for scibity toilet.

Episode 18 of the Charity show focuses on young people in the third sector

Hello and welcome to episode 18 of the Charity show with me, Piers Townley, PR Manager at the Brain Trumer charity.

Tim Beynon: And me, Tim Bainon, head of marketing engagement at uh5 as serity.

Piers Townley: So Tim, how's it going? We're going to dedicate this episode to the role and impacts of young people in the third sector. So how much un touch are you with young people today?

Tim Beynon: Oh, Jesus. That's a shocking question. To start this episode, how in touch am I with young people? ###h read not at all for that Basically shocking the advertagers My kids will tell you u. You know, it's, it's, it is. It is a funny when I actually my kids are 12 and 13 as you know and I've, you know, they, they live in a different world than I do. They talk different, you know, the language they use is completely different. I have no idea what they're saying all the time. I'NO idea what they're doing but I do. I think my favourite pastime is being, you know, sort of embarrassing Dad, I just throwing crying back at them so those random sayings that they just chuck into conversation. Sigma lit cap My kids listen back to this now they're going to be. They'll be cringing. I can know they will. So I enjoy all of that. But anyway, no ser. I think the fact that I'm out of touch is very. Reason why we need young people in the sector. The reason, one of the reasons why we're sort dedicating this show, I think, I think taking a role in our charities in not, you know, every aspect of charity life, in their governance and their operations. That's where we need young people. Because undoubtedly it'this it's the young people of today that are the, you know, the trustees, and charity, senior management of the future. So that's what we, we need to encourage for sure. And it's fascinating to, to hear from our guests today who will talk much more about that, as well. The other thing I think is really important, we can't have people who've been around as long as we have, assuming we know everything either. I mean we talk a lot about this sector. We've been around a lot and you know, we've seen that, seen a lot. But goodness me, I know that I certainly don't know half of what goes on and what needs to go on. And definitely we need to talk, tap into that younger audience, I think, to, to get a clear picture of what those needs are out there as well. It's so really important that, that we listen. I think I also need somebody to tell me what on earth Skipp ity toilet means. That's, that's, that's, that's my to do list. Finding out what that saying means. My kids shout it. What does it mean? You have a clue what Skippby toilet means? Beers?

Piers Townley: No. But you have just ruined my week because I googled it and saw the videos and saw the tsunami of love for Skibby toilet. yeah, still don't know what it is.

Tim Beynon: Just sk do you slay?

Piers Townley: That's my secret weapon. If my kids are in the house and they're annoy me because I got two teams, one of each flavour, if I want to get some peace and quiet, I just drop a slay into the conversation. You get that metaphorical ey while and they go away. And I've got peace and quiet for a few minutes. But yeah, in the charity I'm constantly in awe with our social media team and the digital natives and the cliche that that is. But they are, they know the score. They're switched on to that generation. They're switched on to those social channels which are increasingly important to our comms team. Your comms team. All comms teams across that third sector, we've recently, year, last year or show, branched out into TIK Took and we use that to reach out and support and raise awareness of what we do with the Brain Tumour charity. And that's witchcraft to me. But our social media teams, you know, they have their eye on the board and their finger on the pulse of what is going on. So digital comms and we know this Tim from the show, you know, ###isode, after episode, it's all about the digital comms with these sort of. But yeah, the digital real. We've got to have those younger generation, you

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Piers Townley: know, actually working as staff but then also as you know, advocating for us as supporters of all the charity causes and things. We'll touch on later. Later on in this episode.

Tim Beynon: Oh, God, absolutely. I felt very old the other day when, Danielle M in my team, who looks after our social media, she's brilliant. had to explain to me what this meme was that we were trying to recreate for. For Tik took, apparently'this thing that's going on on TikTok. And I felt old, felt so old because you had to explain to me what it was about and like, because I didn't get it, that expl. It was like, oh, man, I feel so. I feel ancient now. It's terrible.

Piers Townley: I can see. I can visualise a lot of eyeballs going on if people are listening to this who are a little bit younger than us. So maybe you should, you know, crack on. Absolutely.

40% of 18 to 24 year olds would be interested in joining charity boards

On the back of a recent report in partnership with the Young Trustees movement that found 40% of 18 to 24 year olds in the UK would be interested in joining a charity board? What does the third sector look like for a younger generation? What are today's UK charities putting in place to nurture this coort of charity staff, fundraisers, supporters and future charity leaders? In this episode of the charity show, we have two fantastic guests sharing their charity experience. Mel Kelly and Katherine Hogan, both of whom are young ambassadors for the Brain Tumer charity. They share their reasons for being part of this ambassador programme that champions their insight and passion. And they delve into what unique skills their generation are bringing to the charity sector. Now, in between recording this show with Catherine and Mel, Catherine unfortunately lost her, her dad, her beloved dad, to a brain tumour. So I want to just read out a little bit of, a tribute to him that she sent through to the show. So Catherine says, my dad, Tim Hogan, sadly passed away on 24th November 2024 after a two and a half year battle against a grade four brain tumour. He fought the brain tumour with quiet strength and never falteed in his good humour. His resilience to keep going will be instilled with me forever. Tim was chief executive of the British Institute of Radiology and the association of Dental Implantology and a loving husband to Tracy and father to Catherine and Daniel. Even though he worked in the scientific field, his biggest passions in life with his family and music, he is dearly loved by his family and we will miss him every day. My heart is full of memories we share that I will never forget. So all our hearts from this show and all our listeners go out to you, Ktherine as well.

This episode explores how you support the brain tumour charity

Let's hear from Catherine and Mel from their interview that we recorded back in November. Hi both of you. Thank you so much for guesting on the charity show. In this episode we're going to explore a little more about how you support the charity ofviously, in this case the brain tumour charity, but also exploring your roles as young ambassadors and how others could perhaps pursue a similar support of their own aligned charity. So just briefly, would you introduce yourselves and explain a little bit about your own experience and your connection to the brain tumour charity? And Catherine, I'll ask you to go first if that's okay.

Catherine: Sure. so hi everyone, I'm Catherine. I'm 24 years old and my own connection of the charity comes from caring for my dad who has a grade for glioblastoma. So I first found out about the charity by hearing that they were supporting a childial that my dad was on, called the cannabinoid trial, and then learn about all the different types of support the charity gives. And I just thought it was amazing. And I was really moved by like the information they provided as it was all just really helpful, particularly how authentic it was reading people's experiences of caring for someone with a brain tumour. As I didn't know anyone else that was going through this at the time and it got me really wanting to be involved with the charity a lot further.

Mel: My name's Mell and I was diagnosed with a brain tumour when I was 22, I'm now 24 and I came across the brain tumturity, when I was discharged from hospital. and when I was diagnosed I didn't know anyone else with a brain tumour. I'd never even heard of it to be honest. But to find a charity that's like so supportive. And like Catherine said, the information that's available on the website and different people to reach out to really helped me when I needed it most.

Catherine is part of the Young Ambassador Programme for Brain Trumor charity

Piers Townley: Catherine, could you just explain what the Young Ambassador Programme is for the Brain Trumor charity and what it means to you for being. For being part of this kind of flagship support and network that we have?

Mel: Yeah.

Catherine: So the Young Ambassador programme is a two year programme for young adults who have either been affected by their own brain tumour diagnosis or that of a loved one. And there are 20 of us in total and we can volunteer ourselves to be part of different participation activities, such as representing the charity at different events or helping to raise awareness on social media fundraising, and just helping to shape the charities services and resources. And I think what it means for me to be part of the programme is the connection I have with the other ambassadors who just really understand what we're going through.

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Catherine: As I mentioned before, I didn't know anyone else who had a brain tumour or cared for someone or sadly actually lost someone with a brain tumour. So being able to connect with others has really felt like a safe space to just share how I'm feeling openly and be supported by such a lovely group. I can get quite sensitive talking about my dad's health, but I've been amazed at how kind the staff and ambassadors have been. And there isn't any pressure to share anything you don't want to. And I love that there's always someone on the group chat that you just can reach out to if you're having a hard day. Yeah, it's all the difference.

Piers Townley: That's lovely. Kn, over the years we've done the. Because we've done Young Ambassadors now for many, many years. And that sense of camandery, that sense of support, it's just something that we get as a charity as well. And we just want that to be outpouring to you because you're so important to us and you re, you know, you're advocating for what we do is vital to what we do. Would you say that kind of. That kind of bond, that kind of gang mentality, if you like Mel, is really important to you as well? Is that something that surprised you or is it something that you expected?

Mel: Yeah, 100%. I think at first it kind of tt me by surprise because I wasn't expecting to get as close to people as I have been. But following my own diagnosis, I actually lost friends because they didn't understand what I was going through. They couldn't relate to it and I'd start talking about, I know my diagnosis, for example, and they wouldn't know what to say because they haven't experienced it themselves at that age before. So to be able to connect with other young people that are either going through similar things or have a loved one going through similar things is really important for other young people and their mental health, especially when they're going through something like this.

Piers Townley: I guess, Mel, for you as well, that very personal lived experience is key to your role, isn't it's key to what you can bring to the young ambassadors and, and feedback into.

Mel: Yeah. And it kind of helps me understand how, like, why I didn't know about the charity beforehand and how I can now help other people and share awareness of the charity as far and wide as possible. Because the best thing that you can have in a time like this is a support network and that's something that the charity provides and it's vital, really.

Piers Townley: Yeah. Sound.

How do you balance being a charity ambassador and being a trustee

That does sound amazing, Catherine, what I was going to say, there's a lot of, responsibilities as charity ambassador and everything else is going on. You know, we are busy, busy lives. Yourself, your trustee for young mind, is that correct? How, how do you take all this on? How do you manage to balance all of that, Catherine?

Catherine: I say it's quite difficult, but I'm very passionate about my different roles that I have and I think it really stems down to being able to prioritise your time and aligning your values to the cause and just being really clear about your role within the charity that you're involved in and the impact you to want to make. So when you're passionate about something, it feels less like an obligation and more like a meaningful priority. So doesn't really feel like extra work at the end of the day because you're enjoying what you're doing. Yeah. I think just have to be really realistic and honest about how much time you can give. And I work full time also being an ambassador and trustee, so you have to be honest about y. How much time you can give and like make the staff work with your availability.

Piers Townley: yeah, it's amazing, Catherine.

Recent report says young people are becoming more interested in charities

I hats off to, to anyone and I, in the nicest way, I find it really inspiring that obviously you'a generation below me, that you are so passionate about a cause. I mean, we hear so much about, you know, apathy and how do we get people on board with charities. There was a recent report that said, you know, the young, younger people are becoming more interested in charities and in particular for in Charity trustees. Do you think overall, Mel, that your generation are becoming more, More driven, more passionate about causing such as these?

Mel: I think so, yeah. Like there's a. It's a big difference to say 10, 20 years ago, it was more like older people or like maybe even people that are retired and stuff like that. But I think nowadays there's more access and availability to add no social media or, everything is at our fingertips now. So if we don't know something, we can just Google it or ask someone else. But I think that's also very, important when it comes to young people being trustees and allowing them to step up. Because at the end of the day, like, we're doing this for our generation and the next generation as well. And I think to have young people and young voices on board is a really good start to the next generation.

Piers Townley: Yeah, it'really powerful, isn't it? I mean we find this as well. Things are moving so fast and, you know, the comm is moving fast, social media is moving so fast. It's about nurturing so that you can really drive a cause and rep. Push it forward. Ktherine, would you say that's kind of what you always think about it as well?

Catherine: Yeah, I think it's also important to consider, like, the cultural context that young people are in today. So a recent Young Minds campaign, it was called A Million Pressures and it describes like, the different pressures young people are facing today. Like whether that's in education, employment, the climate

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Catherine: crisis or the crisis, living. I think it just normalises. Young people want to, Wanting to participate in action, activism further. and I think a lot, a lot more social movements becoming more youth led and I think that just shows young people aren't just interested by social change, but they're actively just wanting to be part of it as well.

Piers Townley: Yeah, it's vital to the work we do. our policy and our campaigning drive, alongside the research, alongside the support we do as a charity, I think you're finding a lot more. Well, we see a lot more campaigning and policy for a lot of different charities, ah, are jumping on and really sort of accelerates, especially with the new government, you know, they've seen it as an opportunity to try and drive some real change. I can say now, the way I know, I know you very well as you joined, our call for our national brain tumour strategy, our launch at Westminster, which is part of this drive, this part of this, policy. Would you say that's one of the most standout things that you've been involved with so far and your role as.

Mel: A young ambassador and probably, yeah, I mean it was a very wet day but we still managed to get out and we still managed to carry on with what we started out to do and I think it's very important that we all went out on our Red Coats and we were all out there raising awareness and making a noise about it really. That stuff needs to be done and action needs to be taken. Whether it was. Whether the old government got in or whether it was now, obviously labour. But the action needs to be taken. Like we know that, brain tumours are the biggest canceriller people under the age of 40 and there's not a lot of research and funding that goes into it and obviously the brainreum maturity are one of the biggest when it comes to research and finding those clinical trials and stuff like that. But I think it's u. probably, yeah, probably one of the biggest things that I've been involved with, to be honest. But it was nice to go down. It was before I knew I was a young ambassador actually. But it was nice to go down and be involved with that and see the importance of the charity and how they like do things in person rather than online. Yeah, it was, it was a really like close community down there and I really enjoyed being a part of it.

Piers Townley: Yeah, well, we're going to get a lot more of that going forward. So both of you and all the young M ambassadors, a lot more diary dates coming up next year and stuff because is. It is so powerful and we can see it making a difference and we can see that the roles that you've both got as part of the programme are just vital to that kind of, that angle and that aspect of what we do. Kine.

Catherine has done some fundraising for brain tumour charity since becoming ambassador

What has been the standout kind of, example or the standout thing that you've been involved with in your role so far?

Catherine: I'd say so I've done some fundraising for the brain tumour charity and it's one of the first things that I did as a young ambassador was run the London Landmarkks Half Marathon in April. and this was my first half marathon that I did as a race and I'd say I trained pretty hard for it. But in my training all I could think about was my dad and he couldn't make it on the day because he's not well enough. But he was there with me in spirit and I, I wore a photo of him or my T shirt. I like clipped it together. and I just yeah, Whilst I was running, I was just thinking about him and wanting him to be proud of me and how healthy, happy and strong I was, to be able to run the half marathon and hopefully I made him proud. But I raised over 1,800 pounds for the charity and I really want to do more fundraising to challenge myself to raising them all next time.

Piers Townley: That's brilliant. Anyone who takes, anyone who puts running shoes on and does anything but it's a 5k on it, I'got total admiration for me. That's such big event for us as well. I mean, the one we've got coming up in April next year, it's growing and growing. And then early on this week, the London marathons have allowed a lot more bond places to go to charities as well. So I think we're finding that a lot of these challenge events, which are kind of straightforward to sign up for but require a lot of training, they're getting more and more, at the bedrock of what we do. And yes, hats off to you, Catherine. Especially training in the, ah, dark and the wintery months for the summer is just, that's just crazy.

Kathine uses social media to connect with other young ambassadors

both you want to move on a bit and just touch on because we do a lot of things on the postcard about the emerging social media and all of the flux that's going on there. So, Kathine, if I could just ask you, how do you use social media to connect with other young ambassadors and is an important part of your role, it is an important tool that you would use on the day to day?

Catherine: I think it's definitely an important part of my role because I think that it really allows us to connect with each other, very easily and see what everyone's getting up to. But also if you're just having like a hard day, you know, you can always just message a chat and someone's there to listen to you. and I think it's also really helpful seeing other young people on social media, charity social medias in particular, because it just makes it more authentic and relatable. and you can really tell when a charity social media is, directed by young people. Like it's just more conversational, more human, less corporate. and I think, yeah, I think it's really important to have young people leading charity

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Catherine: social media is in that way because we're the people that use it most.

Piers Townley: It's such a powerful voice as well, isn't it, that.

What sort of, what channels do you mostly use when you're supporting charity

What sort of, what channels do you mostly use when you're, say, socially, but also when you're Relating with the charity. Which is the most important ones do you think, or which ones do you think will be more important going forward?

Catherine: I think Instagram is very important. And also we use the WhatsApp channel for the young Instagram because it's so easy to just share something that we've got on the Young Ambassador Instagram page, or then post it and then tag it to the Young Ambassador Instagram page. It's just, yeah, a really easy tool and you can also message the other young ambassadors on that tool as well. So yeah, I'd say Instagram and what'sapp?

Piers Townley: I just saying that when we did the launch of Westminster it was Instagram that was the powerhouse behind all of that because obviously you know we, we were almost having a live feed from what we were doing and stuff. Do you use it quite a lot outside of your charity role as well?

Mel: Yeah, I'd probably say Instagram as well and like stuff that the charity posts I share and then it's all over my socials as well. But I've seen that as well. Like there's been a lot more activity on Instagram than anything else when it comes to charities at the minute and I think that that kind of then engages the younger audiences even if they haven't been affected by it. I myself have and then I'm sharing it to all my other friends and then they're seeing it as well and seeing the impact that the charities have on real life people. I is myself and they can then follow it then and be involved with the charity online as much, as much as I am.

Tim Beynon: What a great interview. Peers. Mel and Ktherine are inspirational and it's fascinating to hear their thoughts on the importance of being young ambassadors. I'm looking forward hearing the second part of that interview shortly but before we get to that let's take a look at some young people focused third sector news.

Young people support charity Teenage Helpline is relaunched

What have you dug out for us this week? P.E.

Piers Townley: this news piece jumped out at me Tim is young people support charity Teenage Helpline and it's announced that is relaunched with a new name Youth for Youth. The charity s primary service involves providing peer led support service to those age 25 and under helping them to navigate a wide variety of issues including mental health, sexuality, bullying, education and everyday family struggles. The charityity was founded by Josh towers as a 14 year old in 2011. The charity whose most recently recorded annual income was 33,000 and some loose change connects young people with peer mentors aged between 16 and 25, primarily vi email. However, as part of this relaunch the chapter will be introducing a chat feature this year to enable young people, as we've just spoken about at the digital age, to chat with mentors via website in 2025. This year it plans to fundraise 120,000 pound to support the charity, triple its volunteering team to 300 and employ its first full time member of staff. Josh said, when I started Teenage Helplineind at the age of just 14 in 2011 it was one key goal to provide peer support to young people just like me all over the country we've been able to do that but with our new name we hope we can reach even more young people. He goes on to say, our new brand allows us to be friendly, comforting and welcoming rather than clinical or corporate and encourages day to day support and a conversational approach long before the point of crisis. What a fantastic young charity led by a young, fantastic young person for so many others. Just a brilliant story.

Tim Beynon: Great, great story. What a great guy Josh is. I mean what a journey he's been for from 14, from 14 to today. I mean he's obviously been at the helm of that charity since 14 over the last decade or so. In a little bit, he must have had an amazing journey sort of seeing that charity grow and taking it to new places. and yeah, what an amazing story. Let's see if we can get hold of Josh, maybe see if we can invite him onto the show because I think that's just about to stay the same.

Piers Townley: Yeah, let's get him on the show. Tell us more about it. Fantastic.

Tim Beynon: Definitely, definitely, definitely.

UK Youth director seconded to DCMS to lead national youth strategy

Well I've got another great story for you, ah, that caught my eye this week and this is really about a sort of crossover between the charity world and the the world of government and politics. Everything in terms of the work that goes on at the very top level. and the story is that a director at ah, UK Youth has been seconded to the Department for Culture, Media and Sports to take a leading role steering the government's national and person is Kaylee Wainwright who's moved from her role as the Young People Charities Director of Youth Sector Innovation this month to become the DCMS's head of youth Strategy Engagement. and it's really important role, it's a key role within the Labour government's 185 million pound backed National Youth strategy that includes closing the National Citizen service and investing in BOLSTERING youth clubs and services. So it's a flagship policy, and'going to go leaps and baronss over the coming years. A really,

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really important thing to be a, of and fantic to see. But they've reached out to Kaylee to be a part of that as well. She says, following the announcements, I'm really excited to be able to contribute my knowledge, experience and connections from my career so far to ensure the new National Youth Strategy is co produced with young people and the youth sector. So isn't that amazing? So she's going to bring young people into that conversation, make sure they're a part of this really key decision making, process going forward. So I'LOVED that story now. That was really good.

Piers Townley: Yeah, brilliant initiative.

Tim Beynon: If you allow me peers, I've got a second story as well. I've got it, I've dug out, it's, you know, when you look at everything that goes on and what young people have been up to, there's lots to talk about.

Charity calling for volunteers in Wales to help tackle anti LGBT bullying

And I found another story that I think was definitely worth shouting about, actually one that's a little bit topical as well at the moment. So a charity supporting LGBT young people was calling for volunteers in Wales aged between 18 and 25 to help tackle anti LGBT bullying by sharing their experiences in schools. And I think that's a really important, initiative and something that sadly I think is still evident today. And actually given recent announcements, recent events on the other side of the pond and X's abandonment of seeming a total abandonment of moderation, it could be an issue becomes even bigger, especially online, in years to come Anyway, just like us, the UK based charity offers its ambassadors training, career mentoring, media opportunities and the chance to join a vibrant community of LGBT young adults across the uk. So the programme of equips volunteers to speak confidently about growing up lgbt, promoting inclusivity and understanding amongst school pupils. So I think it's a brilliant, a brilliant programme. And they've got a quote here from Ash, who's an ambassador, from the South Wales Valleys who reflects on his own journey and he said growing up in the Welsh Valleys there was a lack of diversity and I experience bullying that forced me to leave school early. Joining just like us has helped me give children the education I wish I had received. I've gained confidence, self acceptance and the ability to advocate for trans rights while positively impacting young lives. So an amazing initiative and anyone who was interested in taking part and, and being a part of that and becoming A volunteer. The next ambassador training event will take place in Cardiff on the first second of March, and the charity will cover travel expenses, for, for participants as well. Applications close at 11:59pm on the 16th of February. So we'll put the links to that in the show notes as well, if anybody is interested. But another fantastic example of a, charity and an initiative being led by young people. Brilliant stuff.

Piers Townley: In part two of Meln Catherine's guest slot, they explain the challenges of their personal connections, what advice they give to other young wannabe charity ambassadors and explore the assertion that their generation is more devoted to causes than previous ones.

Katherine says transparency is paramount for any charity to build trust with younger audiences

Just a general question then to both of you. Is there something that stands out? The charity get wrong with their social media, do you think? I mean kine, maybe you've. Because you are associated with completely different charities as well now maybe you as well. Is there something that they're not doing right as a third sector?

Catherine: I'd say that it's like it draws back to that point about young people, like mainly writing and actually producing the social media themselves. Because I think when young people see themselves on social media it's just that content'so much more relatable and I think there's also something about transparency about how, where the money is going that they're donating to. so I think that charities that don't openly share how funds are used or the specific results of how money is being spent can really like struggle to build trust with the younger audiences. So just clear, honest communication that is driven by young people I think's really important.

Piers Townley: Would you agree?

Mel: Yeah, I think nowadays, you know, we're in a cost of living crisis and if young people do donate to charities, they want to know where that money is going and like the effects that it has on the charity and the people that they work with. And I think that's very important. And because the brainream maturity supports young people, it kind of goes hand in hand. And if young people are donating, they want to see that it's supporting or maybe helping other young people. So like the young ambassador programme, for example, like we all applied for that, but it's now how we can use that role across social media to engage other young people, whether it be donating or just sharing charity, ah, posts or whatever. It's all about trying to engage the young audience as best as you can, I think.

Piers Townley: I guess more so thou than ever then as well, isn't it? There is that direct line between what a charity stands for and literally what it's doing on a day to day basis and that accountability and as you said Kathine, that transparency for any charity has got to be the paramount, doesn't it?

Catherine: Definitely. And I think it's also important to recognise like the less obvious like contributions young people can make to

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Catherine: charities. Like for example young people don't necessarily have disposable income or you might have limited finances to actually donate to charities. But so having different options for young people to engage in charity work is really important like whether that's volunteering, like producing social media sharing of their posts. I think yeah, there's different options as opposed to just donating.

Piers Townley: Yeah, it's opening up that aspect. I don't think that was possibly as good as it is now for charity generally. As you say 10 years ago we maybe even five years ago it seems to be a lot more able to engage with, with your, the cause of yourign.

Mel: I think it's more accessible now in terms of social media and like, like you said if you look, say like 10 years ago we didn't have half of the stuff that we have now in terms of social media but like even say like TikTok, I mean I didn't use it but I scroll through it every now and then and even apps like that you see a lot of young people just flicking through and if they can flick through and see something about a charity then they might repost it or share it and then like Catherine said it's not about necessarily donating but more reason awareness of the charity and sharing the things that they do online in order to support them that way as well. So I think social media has a massive part in it to be honest and and like gaining that young audience as well through social media is massive nowadays as well.

Piers Townley: It'a massive driving us in our comms team and well other charities we speak to as well, firefighters charity. Tim would say the same as well I suppose the flip side and it's something that we have to be very, very conscious of as a charity. He's almost like a duty of care because you can be so close to your cause and it can be 24, 7. I mean you both know this much more than I do that it's switched on cult and you know you're both so strongly aligned to our charity or a young person is aligned to any charity that they've chosen to.

Catherine says it's important to surround yourself with people who understand brain tumours

How do you think what the safeguards. How is it you've got to make sure that you're okay first because you don't want to be going where you're so overwhelmed and it becomes too much. How do you sort of mitigate that? How do you protect yourself against that, do you think?

Mel: I think it's just, important to surround yourself with people that are aware of what's going on and, like, have close connections with family and friends. But even like Ktherine said before, the WhatsApp group, the Brainre majority, or even the members of staff that work there, they're all, all about safeguarding us and protecting us from what necessarily might not be a good thing or whatever it could be, I don't know. But just being able to surround myself with people when I need the most or if I've had a hard day or things are getting on top of me, knowing that, people are there for me to talk to, and the WhatsApp group, especially as and because people know what I'm going through, it's more relatable for them. Like, like I said before, like, my friends who haven't necessarily been through it might not understand, but there's people out there that do and I know that they're always on the end of the phone if I need.

Catherine: Yeah, I agree. I think it's also important to recognise that it's also just a really sensitive topic and we all have different lived experiences of brain tumours, that we're all just really respectful of each other. And like Mel said, like, I'm really appreciative of the different, like, levels of support the staff of the charity, like, they go out the way to really make you feel like you're cared for on the programme. So, like, we have quarterly cheque ins and then monthly meetings and like, you can always message them as well, like when times get tough, like if you're going to have on a hard day. But I guess the way that I safeguard myself as ambassador is also just recognising, like, when to opt out of opportunities that might be a bit too triggering or you might just not have the time to take part in. so you can just be really open with the staff that you're working with, whether you need a bit more extra support or you just can't do it this time.

Mel: I think it's. Oh, sorry. I think it's. I think it's just being aware of that, isn't it? And like you said, Catherine, you're a trustee for a different charity and you work full time and obviously you're doing the ambassador stuff as well. And I think it's knowing how much you can take on before it then becomes a problem saying obviously it's a difficult topic as well and it's a sensitive topic and then you obviously have to make sure that you're looking after yourself as well as then raising awareness or being involved in charity work. So I think at the end of the day like, like we are our own priority and I think it's important to recognise that. But I also think it's important to lean on people when you need the most and u, being able to be aware of that is, is very important especially in today's day and age. Like we say with social media it's very easy to just get sucked into it and not take time out to cheque in if your physically and mentally rather than just scrolling online. Yeah.

Catherine: I'd also say that what I really like about the programmin in itself is that the staff never pressurise you to do any participation activities that you don't want to be part of. Like they make sure they're really inclusive and accessible. so for example like they asked us what day is the best day to have our monthly

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Catherine: meetings. Like what's the best time of day? So we have them in the evenings. so yeah, there's just never any pressure to do anything you don't want to or even just if you're not in the head. So headace right to do it right then they'll accommodate that. And the programme is two years long so you have like a long time to make a difference and be on that as well.

Piers Townley: I guess that that speaks to. You're working alongside, you are part of the charity. You're not, you are working for the charity. But it's more than that is what I'm trying to say. Do you what I mean you are so much of what we do. That's what makes that programme stand out. I'm not sure whether you would have any other experience Catherine. Maybe you. Do you see similar programmes in other charities or would you like to see those sort of programmes in other charities?

Catherine: I do see similar programmes in other charities. I think more charities are definitely increasing their youth participation. I think there's quite a long way to go in making more charities youth led. but I think charities are on their journey to it and understanding like the power dynamics that can bring within like decision making for example, just recognizising that and acknowledging that and taking action on that is quite a journey for differentities. But yeah, I Think the brain tumour charities is a really standout charity. An example of that, would you agree?

Piers Townley: Mail Yess.

Mel: Yeah. So I'm, I'm involved with other charities as well myself. But I think the, like Catherine said, the brainh TR maurity are definitely standing out in terms of having the Young Ambassador programme and like us being able to shape what like the young adults team for example, put out there for other young people going through similar things. And I think it's very important to have a community within a charity that is youth led because we'the ones that have had the experience or where re the ones that are going through it and I think no one knows anything, no one knows how you go through it until you've been it yourself, been through it yourself. And I think to have that, to have that direct impacts upon the charity is fair, important, especially when it comes to young people as well and their influences on the charity and how that might then lead them on to the next thing or whatever it might be. I think it's important to allow young people to speak up and give them a voice.

Piers Townley: So this sort of role, the roles that you two have and these sort of programmes that you two are part of and other charities obviously got their own versions, they're just going to become more and more important, aren't they really? They're going to become a bedrock of those sectors of nonproit organisations generally, aren't they?

Catherine: I hope so. I think yeah, it's more young people see themselves within charities like, so there's more long term involvement and sustainable like relationships with young people between charities and young people. I think it really helps young people feel more invested and just gain a deeper understanding and connection to that cause. So what I'd really like to see is more young people like Bec coming leaders within charities, whether that's becoming a trustee, like becoming staff. I think yeah, there's a lot of young people that want to engage in charity work but don't know the right avenues to take, like how to get into charity work themselves. So programmes like the Young Ambassador programme, it's essential for making that happen.

Mel: It kind of bridges the gap, doesn't it, between young people not being able to get involved with charity and then young people actively being involved with the charity. And I think that's important and vital to be honest, because like we said earlier, where, where'the next generation and allowing us to speak up and shape what might happen in three or four years time down the line is, is very important to the charity sector itself and allowing young people to be a part of that I think is crucial to society itself in general and the steps that we're making towards the future.

Piers Townley: There's such a powerful connection, isn't it, for a charity to have that it's such a conduit to what, what they do.

Catherine: I think charities also have a role in like building a community and network for young people to really take part in opportunities like to raise like the, the cause of the charity, because it helps young people to socialise and meet like minded people and they're also able to support each other more. So yeah, not only does this provide a support network, but it's really empowering for the young people themselves and inspiring to support each other and really encourage each other to get involved. So like for example, with some of the opportunities within the brain of a charity and ambassador scheme, like I don't think I would have been able to necessarily take part if some of the other young ambassadors were taking part. So having that a network and that community to really like empower each other andah go out of our comfort zone, I think that's really important too.

Mel: I feel like when you've been affected by something like this, whether it be personally or family orientated or whatever it may be as well, when I was diagnosed I lost a lot of my confidence and I couldn't really find it for a long time because I didn't know how to or where to. But engaging with a charity that has other young people involved that have been through similar things brings that confidence

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Mel: back up and like, shows to you that you're not on your own and you can get through it and people have different, people may have got to the charity in different ways but at the end of the day when we come together at the charity, we're all there for the same reason and we're all there to help each other and build each other up and we're all within a positive environment and I think that's very important. And like in today's day and age, especially with social media, there can be a lot of negativity out there towards young people and I think sometimes they get it wrong. And being able to get involved with charities and meet other young people that are going through similar things shows that not all, we're not all bad people, you know, they're all good to young people out there and we are able to connect on, on a deeper level, especially when it comes to charity and being able to fight for A cause that we all firmly believe in is, is really special that we can all do that together rather than on our own.

Piers Townley: Yeah, it is really, really powerful.

Mel and Caathatherine share their advice on volunteering with chosen chi

So to that end then, Mel, what would you advise other young people who wanted to get involved with their chosen chi? Would it be a case of just do it or would it be a bit more to it?

Mel: Yeah, I think, I think if there's a charity out there that you're wanting to support or don't know how to support, I just say reach out to them and do it. Because at the end of the day you don't know what opportunities might be out there for you to be involved with in thatatur charity. You don't know who you might meet or what could potentially come out of you just reaching out to them. And I think it definitely is a confidence builder as well. Even if you get knocks back, like, it's like, all right, okay, so I've been knocked back from that, like, okay, I'll try and go this way about it instead. And it is a confidence builder and I think it's a building block to our ah, like social skills and being able to just reach out to people and engage with people even if we haven't engaged with the charity before. Once you're with the charity, that's it. You're in a community then that are all the same and like mindsed young people. Yeah, I think. Yeah, just do it.

Piers Townley: What about you, Caathatherine? What advice would you give? Same.

Catherine: Yeah, I definitely say the same. I think there's also a fine line between going out of your comfort zone with different opportunities, but also being kind to yourself and not putting too much pressure on yourself if it gets too much. So yes, you can gain so much confidence from participating, and showing your story. And it's very rewarding and really empowering. But also knowing when to take a step back is a skill in itself. And that's something that quite a few youth workers that I've worked with that have taught me that, like it's okay to be vulnerable and great to put yourself out there, but don't worry too much about what other people are thinking. I think as long as you're staying true to yourself and supporting a cause that's really important to, that's all that matters and people should support, that.

Piers Townley: Yeah, that's very important point you make that, Catherine, actually, because then it is. So if it was a charity thinking about setting up the sort of programme, it's very much A two way process, isn't it? Because is a duty of care from both sides and as you say you have to be first, look after yourself first otherwise you can't contribute or you can't be of, you know, do what you need to do. It's been brilliant speaking to you both. I, I'm really, really honoured to speak to you both. Thank you so much.

Caathy says she wouldn't be here without support from her parents

But before, before we go, before we wrap it up, is there anyone or anything that you want to shout out to? that supported you, that continues to support you, that continues to inspire you? Caathy.

Catherine: Well, I'm gonna be really cheeky and say two people if that's okay. I letic the shout out to both my parents, obviously my dad for being so brave and strong for what he's going through and just helping me grow and throughout my childhood. So he actually supported me in developing my journey into activism and as he worked in charities himself as a. And that will really help like continue to inspire me in my career. And then obviously my mu gets a shout out for being incredibly strong and always wanting to support me like no matter what. I've struggled with my mental health as I was growing up and she was always there by my side. and I wouldn't be here without either of them. so yeah, I'll be forever grateful for both of them.

Mel: Yeah, yeah I'm probably gonna say the same to be honest. Like support from my mum and dad and my family throughout my recover and even now day to day just building things back up. Their, their support has been nothing but unwavering and I probably wouldn't be here as a young ambassador and doing all this positive stuff if it wasn't for the support from my roots and when I needed them mostly were there and yeah, yeah I couldn't than my mum and dad enough.

Piers Townley: That's brilliant. That's brilliant. And just look personally as well. Thank you so much for everything you do. I the Young and Master programme. When I first started the charity nearly 10 years ago now it was like this is an amazing thing that we need to nurture and develop and where it is now I think it's just incredible and it's going to be so much more vital to what we do. I think this year we've really see it step up a key and your coort the, the group that you're in

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Piers Townley: now I think are'going to be just doing leaps and bounds especially next year and stuff. So I hope and I know that thing you get so much from it as well just to support each other as well as, as well as, you know, the wider charity.

In each episode of Chenge show, we want to celebrate our sector superstars

Tim Beynon: In each episode of the Chenge show, we want to celebrate our sector superstars. That shouldn't be news to anybody now, we do it every week. But those incredible people working, volunteering and fundraising across our sector, we want to hear about them. And you can nominate your deserving colleagues, volunteers or fundraisers, just email us at ah, the charityow poodmail.com or get in touch through the links in the show notes. You can even send us a voice message if you want to that we'd happily play out in the next episod. So, who are your young superstars of the week?

Piers Townley: Pers I've been caught by attention was, the sleepouts and the various sleepouts happen across the country, always, always kind of drive my drive my enthusiasm. And this fundraiser, a passion for supporting vulnerable women is driving her mammoth mission to sleep on the streets for 10 consecutive nights in towns across the UK. It's Lanne Kirkman who's going to commence the gruelling her Fight Hour Night Sleep out challenge on February 1st. So, this coming Saturday in support of the Leamgton based the Esther Project, a charity she launched in 2023. Her journey, her sleep house will take her from Leamington to Coventry, Birmingham, Southampton, London, Doncaster and several others where along the way she's going to meet local organisations supporting women and raising awareness of the complex issues and best practise solutions which currently exist, as well as highlighting the gaps in service provision. And she goes on to quotely Anne says what I would like to show through this sleep app is that women need women only services to keep them safe. Safe. I'm now launching a new venture and I'm really keen to highlight the lack of funding for women's services. I want to highlight the need for more women's centreers and some of the great work and some good practise around the uk. And we want to work with other charities to highlight the issue around the government's role in funding women's services. So a fantastic courseus there and a fantastic, selection of 10 sleep outs are amazing. So good luck to Leann and all our supporters.

Tim Beynon: Yeah, good luck indeed. And I bet Leanne's going to do a brilliant job of spreading the message. She says she wants to highlight all those issues and stuff and I bet she's going to do a brilliant job of it on social and everything as well. And we'll stick. Let's follow her on our social Channels as well, please. And we can see if we can retweet and share something if you re x now, whatever it is, I don't know, you will share as much of her journey, as you can as well. That's a good idea.

Ruf was born with pulmonary hypertension and other breathing ailments

okay, I've got a good story this week as well. and this is a fantastic, young person who's doing some amazing stuff. This is a teenager who was told by doctors that her serious breathing condition, ah, would prevent her from ever being able to sing. And she has sung the lead vocals on a new charity single. So she's proved the doctor's wrong by doing so. Ruf, who's 16 from Headdington in Oxford, was born with pulmonary hypertension and other breathing ail and other breathing ailments which affect her everyday life. She's a member though of the Sunshine Choir, a group of budding young singers who have all experienced a serious illness and been supported by the brilliant children's charity Rays of Sunshine. Now, their song Rainbow was written by the choir and reflects the members own lived experiences with their, various illnesses. The group recorded the song at Universal Music Group in London and were helped by Afrobeats musician and producer, Silverstone. Again, somebody I'm sure was on your playlist regly, please. Ruth, who sang lead vocals on the single, said writing and performing Rainbow was an incredible experience and one that very accurately reflects my joy to be a part of the Sunshine Choir. so again, an amazing young lady, Amazie Ping, she's doing, and good luck to her and the rest of the choir, with that single. Again, we'll put the links, in the show notes and we'll see if we can share on our socials as well. But another brilliant example of a young person overcoming personal adversity and doing something brilliant. Great stuff.

Piers Townley: Great story, Tim. Yes. And you do know my playlist, obviously. That track is on there.

Tim Beynon: I'm sure it.

Piers Townley: So that's a wrap for episode 18. Huge thanks to Catherine andl especially for Catherine for losing her dad. this episode airing, for so brilliantly articulating how important young people are to the future of our sector and for being such inspiring guests on the show. There's plenty more third sector insights to come over the next few episodes. Tim.

Tim Beynon: Absolutely. Beers. We've got lots coming up. We're going to be taking a look at the importance of film for charities. we'll be discussing as well the power of collaboration between charities and we're finding out how different charities of all sizes can find and work with celebrity ambassadors.

Piers Townley: And don't forget, you can be part of the show too, whatever your role in the third sector. Just send us your voice messages or get in touch through any of the links in the Show Notes to share your stories and tell us what you'd like us to cover.

Tim Beynon: And of course, we also want to know who your superstar fundraisers, volunteers or colleagues are to. So head to the Show Notes and share how brilliant they are with the rest of us.

Piers Townley: And

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Piers Townley: in the meantime, please follow or subscribe to us on your usual podcast platform and leave us a review, both of which will help others to find the show.

Tim Beynon: So that's it for episode 18. Thanks for listening, take care, and we'll see you for episode 19.

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