They have joined NSPCC’s Young People’s Board for Change

Two Scottish teenagers are campaigning to improve the lives of children and young people after joining the NSPCC’s Young People’s Board for Change (YPBC).

The YPBC is a group of 15 young people, aged 13 -16 from across the UK. They share their views and ideas to advise the NSPCC on what matters most to children and young people.

Lena Zielinska (16) and Douglas Patton (17) joined the YPBC last year and have spoken about their passion for helping other young people, their experiences of being a member of the YPBC and why they would recommend the group and other similar opportunities to young people.

They get involved in lots of fun projects and the opportunity to travel across the country to take part in residentials, meetings and workshops.

Lena, from Broxburn, West Lothian, said her experience has been “amazing” and everyone has been really “kind and accommodating”.

Her highlights include interviewing trustees at the Esther Awards, an annual celebration named after Childline founder, Esther Rantzen, where NSPCC staff and volunteers are awarded for innovation.

She has also had the opportunity to get involved in decision-making, such as at the Esther Awards, which makes her feel like she is “actively making a change”.

She said: “We got involved in the Esther awards where I got to go through candidates and determine who had the biggest lightbulb moment. I also saw Natalie Dormer at the awards which was amazing, I couldn’t keep my cool! Not only do we get to share our perspectives, but we are making a change.”

Lena is particularly passionate about addressing bullying in schools because she believes not enough is being done to stop it.

She said: “I think, there is a lack of awareness of eating disorders, and general gender inequality and not enough is being done to prevent bullying.

“Children need to be heard to encourage change, as they can have so much influence when given the right platform and resources.”

Lena debates in her free time and represents Scotland on the national debating team. Lena was informed about the opportunity to join the YPBC by her debate coach, who said it would be a good opportunity for her to discuss the issues she is passionate about.

Lena’s family was “ecstatic” after she had been accepted onto the board and they encouraged her to “go for it and voice her opinions”.

Douglas, from Denny, Falkirk, said his experience had been brilliant. He has enjoyed the meetings, reaching out to more young people and learning about the issues that face children and young people.

He has provided ideas about how the NSPCC can reach more young people, helped shape advertising campaigns, and interviewed people for important positions within the NSPCC.

Douglas said: “I also loved going to the NSPCC awards in London – it is by far the biggest city I’ve been to! I loved interviewing people for jobs and being my first time in London, it was a highlight.”

He has dyslexia and is passionate about changing how schools address bullying of students with special needs.

Douglas said: “Children have a tough fight to get the support they need, there needs to be more awareness of this.”

He heard about the board through his school house team.

They encouraged him to go for it as they thought it would be brilliant for him because he enjoys learning new skills and is interested in helping people.

He was ‘super excited’, and his parents were “very much happy”, after he was accepted on the board.

Both Lena and Douglas have developed skills and made new friends while being on the board.

Both Lena and Douglas would recommend the board to others, and they encourage other young people to get involved with the NSPCC to make a change.

Douglas said: “The experience better equips young people for the future and allows us to get our voices across. My advice to other young changemakers is to have an open mind and be willing to learn.”

Lena added: “To those young people interested in making change, speak out, be honest and open, as this is your chance to make a change.

“I’ve already recommended the board to fellow pupils at school, as there are so many opportunities. For future members of the board, with weekly opportunities, choose the things you're most passionate about.”