
YOUTH VOICE AMBASSADORS
Meet our YVAs, a dedicated group of young people from uniformed organisations like Scouts, Girlguiding, St John Ambulance, the Sea Cadets, and the Fire Cadets. They work to promote youth voice and accessibility while leading projects in first aid, archaeology, and heritage. Committed to inclusivity, they empower young people to shape the future at local and national levels.

Adam
Hi, I am Adam! I was a Fire Cadet from 2016 to 2019, where I learned about the London Fire Brigade, participated in drills, teamwork exercises, and helped at events like the London Marathon. As a member of the Youth Board, I collaborated with Cadets from various organisations to share ideas. My positive experience motivated me to become a Volunteer Cadet Instructor, where I led presentations and assisted in activities, boosting my confidence and allowing me to connect with diverse individuals. Currently, I’m on a Degree Apprenticeship to become a Building Surveyor, fuelled by my passion for the Built Environment and our heritage. I'm excited to engage uniformed youth with heritage organisations on both local and national levels.

Georgina
Hi, I’m Georgina, a student, youth activist and volunteer. I began as a Badger within St John Ambulance and have since progressed through leadership roles to champion youth voice within the organisation as both a Cadet and as a volunteer. I have led local and national projects, delivered public health education, and represented young people at high-profile events and in decision-making spaces. Outside of St John Ambulance, I was a part of Girl Guiding as a Brownie and a Guide, and I am an ambassador for the #iWill Movement, where I work with a network of young people and change makers at both a local and national level. I am passionate about youth voice, wellbeing, and creating opportunities for young people to lead and shape the future.

Kit
I’m Kit, a 15-year-old from Derbyshire, England. I’ve been part of the Scout Movement since 2018 and am currently in Explorers. I volunteer as a Young Leader with Beaver Scouts and the Derbyshire Scout Archaeology Team, where I also serve on the Youth Committee. I’m passionate about archaeology and wildlife, and when I’m not exploring the past, I enjoy crafting and hanging out with friends. You might see me in my leather hat at heritage events, engaging with historical artefacts. I’m excited to help shape the future of heritage work because I believe it’s crucial for young people to appreciate our past. I’m looking forward to being more involved!

Hanan
Hi, my name is Hanan, and I’ve been a St John Ambulance cadet for the last 4 years. During my time at cadets, I’ve been fortunate enough to get to take part in a wide variety of activities and opportunities such as the Westminster Award, first aid training and events, Lord-Lieutenant Cadet and so much more. My time at St John Ambulance Cadets has inspired me to become a paramedic, a journey I hope to begin this September.

Jessica
I’m Jessica and I am a Rainbow, Guide and Ranger leader in both Worcestershire and Oxford. I am also the county PR adviser for Worcestershire. I have been a part of Girlguiding since I was 6 and I am so grateful for all of the opportunities it has given me. Through being part of the organisation, I have become a confident leader, developed lots of new skills and had some fantastic experiences- most recently including an international trip to Finland. Outside of guiding I am training to become a teacher, enjoy sewing and am part of a Lifesaving club. I have also not long completed by Gold DofE and Commonwealth awards. I am excited to be part of the Youth Voice Ambassadors, meeting other members of uniformed groups and using my experience to help shape the projects.

Lucinda
Hi, I’m excited to be a Youth Voice Ambassador! I’ve been a part of Girlguiding since I was 10, being a Guide, a Ranger, a Young Leader, and now a Leader. As someone with a chronic illness, I’m passionate about making Girlguiding more accessible to girls across the country, and incorporating heritage into a curriculum that supports and guides every girl is so important to me.

Megan
I have been a member of Girlguiding for over 17 years, and I became a Girlguiding advocate in 2023. Since then, I've campaigned on important issues like online safety, mental health, and period poverty. I studied history and heritage studies at university, and now I work in a museum. One of my favourite parts of the job is running regular sleepovers for all the uniformed youth groups that come to visit. Last year, I had the opportunity to work with YUF, where we created a mosaic that reflected how local girls view their heritage

Munachiso
I have been a member of the Sea Cadet Corps since 2015 and became one of their national Cadet Voice representatives for 2023. I first got involved with the Youth United Foundation in 2022 as a member of a youth advisory group, and have stayed involved with their work since then. Through my work with YUF I was invited to become a member of the youth advisory group for the government's National Youth Strategy. I am also involved with youth voice at my university as a student ambassador and course representative.

Scarlett
Hi, I'm Scarlett, and I’ve been involved in Scouting since I was 14. I started as a Young Leader, helping a Cub pack and two Squirrel dreys, before moving to county-level roles. In 2023, I joined Hampshire Scouts as an Explorer Ambassador, primarily focusing on my role as Top Awards Co-ordinator. I work with volunteers to enhance access to Top Awards, ensuring every young person has the chance to challenge themselves. Additionally, I served as a DofE Youth Ambassador (2024–25), advocating for the award scheme and sharing my experience of completing adapted expeditions as a young person with mobility challenges. I'm passionate about making Scouting inclusive and full of opportunities for young people.