Case Study

Young people can sometimes be unfairly stigmatised – but Ingeus Youth Voice Ambassador, Beth, is here to challenge that. A tireless volunteer and a passionate advocate for young people, 18-year-old Beth is a shining example of the positive contribution they can make to society. 

 

Beth had just finished her GCSEs when she found out she had been selected as an Ingeus Youth Voice Ambassador. Her application stood out due to her dedication as a Cadet Operational First Aider for St John Ambulance and she says her work with Ingeus has subsequently enabled her to meet new people, learn new skills, and boost her confidence. 

  

In her role with Youth Voice, Beth provides feedback on Ingeus’ services, ensuring programmes are youth friendly. In the past, she has promoted National Citizen Service events, worked with young offenders, and was consulted on an e-learning programme for 1,000 new staff members who work with young people. She’s also helped to educate staff about the different kinds of stigma young people face. 

  

Beth says: “Ingeus has given me the chance to attend conferences and network with other young people. It has given me a sense of professionalism and boosted my confidence. I’m here to help challenge negative beliefs about young people.” 

  

Volunteering for Ingeus has enriched Beth’s CV and helped her move towards her goal of becoming an ambulance technician. She enrolled on a T-level health course at college and quickly made her mark, winning a Student Volunteer of the Year Award at the Good for Me Good for FE Awards, a national campaign celebrating community action. Beth has now been offered a job with her local ambulance service – and she believes her success is all down to the opportunities she has enjoyed with Youth Voice.  

  

Through Ingeus, Beth completed a mental health first aider training course and has already put these skills to good use. She encountered patients in distress while volunteering overnight with St John Ambulance in Leicester: “I had a few patients struggling with their mental health and having that training from Ingeus was amazing,” Beth says. “It’s given me the foundations to understand how to help people.” 

  

Beth has also gained employability skills while attending workshops for young people on the Restart Scheme – and has relished the opportunity to travel to different cities. “It’s such a privilege to be able to travel with Youth Voice, going on the train to London or Birmingham or Manchester, it’s a chance to explore new places and it motivates you to go out and do things. It pushes me to find new areas of interest and that’s great.” 

  

Late last year, members of Youth Voice met to discuss plans for 2025 at a residential trip. Beth was able to try her hand at paddle boarding, canoeing, open-water swimming and archery. “It was a great team-building and bonding exercise,” says Beth.  “Lots of new people have joined Youth Voice recently and I am really excited because they can bring so much to the table. I have made new friends, and we are planning social events. Out of everything that Ingeus has given to me, making new friends is at the very top.”