- Madi
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Madi
Joined: 2017
Why did you join as a Young Champion at AFNCCF?
After struggling with mental illness for most of my life, I was discharged from hospital in 2016 and decided that I wanted to make a difference. I wanted to take something negative in my life and turn it into a positive. My therapist made me aware of the Anna Freud Centre and that they were looking for young people, it seemed like the perfect fit.
What has been the best activity you have participated in so far?
The best activity I have participated in, to date, has been the ‘Can Anyone Hear Me’ summit, which took place in July 2018. At the summit, I was lucky enough to voice a 10-minute speech on my own experience with mental illness. Not only did I talk about my experiences, but the true treasure of the day was hearing other people’s truly inspirational stories; ones that will stay with me for a long time. The day allowed me to meet government bodies, renowned mental health bloggers and other independent activists, many of whom I am still friends with today.
What would you say has been the one key thing you have learnt being a Young Champion?
I have learnt that it is never too late to change things around. I have learnt that I can make a difference. However, most importantly, I have discovered a new-found confidence, where I don’t have to hide my mental illness, but use it to do amazing things.
What are your future ambitions?
I have a passion for both creativity and equality. In spirit of this, after completing a degree in English, my aim is to work in the magazine industry with a focus in androgynist fashion and LGBTQ+ representation.
Can you give us a random fact about you?
I’ve ridden the worlds longest Urban Zipline from a 43-story building over Dubai Marina at a staggering 60mph. Oh… and I don’t like pizza.
What advice would you give a young person considering being a Champion?
Do it! Now. Right Now. Amazing opportunities are at your fingertips: grab them, with both hands.
- Selena
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Selena
Joined: 2018
Why did you join as a Young Champion at AFNCCF?
I was looking online for more ways to help and get involved with mental health in the UK. Mental health problems are prevalent in life no matter where you come from or your background and so charities like the AFNCCF are very important in ensuring those who need help are able to get it.
What are you most looking forward to doing as a Champion?
I am looking forward to getting involved in fundraising and raising awareness for the Centre. I am also looking forward to getting involved in the training opportunities and learning new skills.
What do you hope to achieve in your time as a Champion?
I hope to raise awareness for mental health and its importance to young people and adults. I also want to raise the awareness of the importance of resilience and also caring continuously for someone’s mental health.
What are your future ambitions?
I want to study psychology at university and I hope to go on and perhaps study neuroscience or look at marketing and business psychology. I hope in the future to be happy and healthy and have healthy relationships with friends and family. I also hope to have confidence and a good relationship with myself which I think is difficult to have at any age but very important to work to achieve.
Can you give us a random fact about you?
I do a lot of sport and training. Through this I have learnt how important activity is as a form of mental release and I think it is important for all people to have something they can do to take their mind off other parts of their lives.
- Gigi
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Gigi
When did you start your Championing at AFNCCF? 2019
Why did you join as a Young Champion at AFNCCF?
I wanted to use my experiences to help others and be involved in projects where I could make a difference.
What do you hope to achieve in your time as a Champion?
I hope to be able to help other young people who are themselves or who know someone who is struggling with their mental health. I would also like to become more confident in my time as a champion and have the opportunity to raise awareness and educate others about mental health.
What are your future ambitions?
I want to be happy and confident in myself and have a job that I love.
Can you give us a random fact about you?
I love maths!
What advice would you give a young person considering being an Champion?
Do it!
- Ash
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Ash
When did you start your Championing at AFNCCF?
I started as a champion at Anna Freud Centre this year on 12 October.
Why did you join as a Young Champion at AFNCCF?
I joined as a Young Champion because I want to do as much as I can to prevent other people from going through the things I have been through and still have to experience.
What are you most looking forward to doing in your time as a Champion?
I am most looking forward to training as a champion educator and to become part of the young persons’ trauma council, if I get in.
What do you hope to achieve in your time as a Champion?
I hope to feel like I've put my maximum effort into helping Anna Freud Centre to improve so they can do better work and help more kids.
What has been the one key thing you have learnt, being a Young Champion?
I have learnt that you can never judge a book by its cover. Don't assume what is going on in someone's life.
What are your future ambitions?
In the future I hope to be happy. I want to find things that truly make me happy.
Can you give a random fact about you?
A random fact about me is that when I'm older I would like to be a forensic scientist specialising in blood splatters and DNA.
What advice would you give a young person considering being a Champion?
My advice would be to have a go because you could learn new things and you could potentially help Anna Freud Centre save someone's life.
- Sophie
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Sophie
Joined: March 2019
Why did you join as a Young Champion at AFNCCF?
I joined as a Young Champion after seeing the amazing work a friend that was already a Young Champion was doing, and as a young person with lived experience of mental health difficulties, I thought it would be a really great way of using a negative experience to have a positive influence. I’m also hugely passionate about breaking down the stigma surrounding mental illness, and I adore volunteering (which has been researched and proven to be a great form of self-care), so becoming a Young Champion seemed a perfect way of unifying the two!
What has been the most your favourite activity you have participated in?
My favourite activity was actually my first ever activity that I did in May, when I innocently signed up to partake in a sailing simulator at the Cutty Sark in Greenwich for the launch of The King’s Cup - the Centre was one of the eight charities involved in The King’s Cup, which was a boat regatta race held to raise awareness and funds for the patronages of Their Royal Highnesses – and ended up meeting the Duchess of Cambridge! What an unexpected but brilliant way to begin my time at the Centre.
What do you hope to achieve in your time as a Champion?
I hope to step out of my comfort zone and develop new skills, as well as build upon existing ones, by getting involved in a range of fun, challenging and inspiring tasks and activities! And of course, make a difference to the perception and treatment of youth mental health and wellbeing, by raising awareness of the centre and the amazing work that we do.
What would you say has been one of the key things you have learnt, being a Young Champion?
I’ve learnt that it’s really beneficial to try something new, even if you’re a bit apprehensive about it. It may just turn out to be the best decision of your life! I’ve also been reminded of how wonderful volunteering can make you feel, so when I’m feeling a bit tired and grumpy, I now try to positively combat that by doing a Young Champion related-task, such as attending a Youth Panel or taking part in #selfcaresummer!
What are your future ambitions?
I want to do a degree in Graphic Design so that I can become a medical illustrator/graphic designer, and/or a clinical photographer. I also aspire to be the proud mother of at least five cats one day.
Can you give us a random fact about you?
I LOVE trains, in particular the London Underground, so I’m trying to enter and exit all 270 Underground stations, as well as all the Overground, DLR, and TfL Rail stations and Tram stops in the space of a year! I also have hypermobility syndrome, so I can do some pretty cool party tricks with most of my joints. How about making my thumb touch my wrist, anyone?
What advice would you give a young person considering being a Young Champion?
If you know that you can fit in the commitment of being a Young Champion alongside your studies, work commitments, social life and any other responsibilities comfortably without potentially burning yourself out, then just go ahead and jump in. We’re a friendly bunch, and you’ll be continuously supported and encouraged, so you have nothing to lose!
(Photography credit to Rūta J.M @rutajmphotos)
- Ella
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Ella
When did you start your Championing at AFNCCF?
I started as a young champion in November 2020.
Why did you join as a Young Champion at AFNCCF?
I joined as a Young Champion because I want to use my experiences to improve mental wellbeing in schools.
What are you most looking forward to doing as a Champion?
I am most looking forward to helping others in schools and working with professionals to improve resources.
Random fact about myself:
My favourite colour is pastel pink.
What do you hope to achieve in your time as a Champion?
I hope that I will be able to openly share my story and use it to help others with acceptance.
What are your future ambitions?
My future ambition is to go to a university with oceanography and work with animals of the sea.
- Henry
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Henry
When did you start your championing at ANFNCCF?
November 2020
Why did you become a Young Champion at AFNCCF?
I have an autism diagnosis and thought that this would be a good opportunity to bring some of my experiences into the role. Hopefully some of that will be useful in whatever projects I might be part of, or any conversations that are had along the way.
What are you most looking forward to doing as a champion?
I am looking forward to making contributions to projects and hopefully meeting new people and learning about their experiences.
What do you hope to achieve in your time as a champion?
I would like to broaden my understanding of mental health and gain first hand knowledge from others.
What would you say is one of the key things you have learnt being a Young Champion?
To not be afraid of making contributions to conversations
Random fact about you?
I quite like playing the Ukulele
- Joe
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Joe
When did you start your Championing at AFNCCF?
I started championing at Anna Freud in November 2020!
Why did you join as a Young Champion at AFNCCF?
I signed up to be a Young Champion because of my past experience with mental health. I wanted to be able to play a part in driving improvements for others who are in the position I was in.
What are you most looking forward to doing as a Champion?
I’m looking forward to learning new skills and using my existing skills to assist in any opportunities that present.
What do you hope to achieve in your time as a Champion?
In my time as a champion, I hope to contribute to something amazing that I can point at and say ‘look what I did to help create this!’
Can you give us a random fact about you?
I’ve been to over 300 concerts in the past 5 years!
What advice would you give a young person considering being a Champion?
Sign up and see where it takes you – if you never try you’ll never know.
- Millie
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Millie
When did you start your championing at AFNCCF?
I started in November 2020.
Why did you join as a Young Champion at AFNCCF?
I have experience with mental health issues and thought I could help others going through the same thing. AFNCCF had some really good resources that I used that helped me and made me want to be involved in the organisation.
What has been your favourite activity you have participated in?
My favourite activity has been being on the interview panel for the rebrand process. I really enjoyed it and it gave me a huge confidence boost.
I also really enjoy meeting the other young champions in the monthly panels.
What are you most looking forward to doing as a Young Champion?
Raising awareness of mental health and working on projects to increase knowledge.
What would you say has been one key thing you have learnt, being a Young Champion?
I was not confident at all and felt that quite often I am just a ball of anxiety which makes me feel embarrassed, but the AFNCCF staff have been so supportive and I am learning to use my negative experiences for good things.
What are your future ambitions?
I hope one day to work with refugees and making safe refugee routes.
Can you give us a random fact about you?
I love Star Wars!
What advice would you give a young person considering being a Young champion?
Just go for it, you will meet so many lovely people and have so many amazing experiences.