Your voice

“My favourite part of my role on the Voice Board has been the opportunity to actively contribute in discussions to help shape the strategic direction of Young Lives vs Cancer. I feel like my voice is truly valued and it is great to work with a charity who are so invested in identifying innovative ways to support young people and their families. ” Emma, Voice Board Member

What can Voice offer me?  

We know that engagement in Voice opportunities has significant benefits for children, young people and families. These include, the development of new skills and experiences, increased wellbeing and confidence, and the sense of purpose that comes from being heard and empowered to take action. Voice activities also provide the opportunity to connect with others affected by cancer and hear their ideas, working together to create positive change. 

There are three different types of opportunity at Young Lives vs Cancer:  

• One off: for example, speaking in parliament, taking part in a focus group or being part of the recruitment panel when we hire new staff  

• Projects: as part of a short term group, taking part in project meetings and workshops to develop new pieces of work such as our campaigns   

• Programmes: taking part in structured, long term opportunities such as our Voice Board or Content Creators  

Our approach to voice  

At Young Lives vs Cancer we believe in a rights-based approach. According to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), meaningful participation is a basic right of all children and young people. This includes both the right to be heard (under Article 12) and the responsibility of parents, care givers and other duty bearers to raise children’s voices, to listen to them and to take action on their perspectives. In our role as a charity working with children and young people, we are duty-bound to engage them – and their parents – in our work.  

Get in touch

Our Voice Team are passionate about listening to the views of children, young people with cancer, their parents and families. We want to champion their voices and enable them to participate in programmes and activities to shape what we do. If you want to know more, please email voice@younglivesvscancer.org.uk