Case Study

Holly is a trailblazer for young people

23 Sep 2024

Living with a hidden disability is tough, as young campaigner Holly knows only too well. Holly has a rare disease known as Scheuermann’s Idiopathic Hyperkyphosis, which causes a curved posture. So far, she has had four spinal surgeries and is now preparing for her fifth. Despite her health challenges, Holly is making a difference to other young people’s lives as a National Youth Voice Ambassador for Ingeus. 

Youth Voice serves as a central advisory board, representing the views of younger participants. Ingeus engages with the group regularly for input and feedback on all aspects of its services. Youth Voice Ambassadors are given the chance to influence change and policy at Ingeus, as well as engaging with and inspiring other young people. 

Holly, now 22, grew up in Hampshire but spends most of her time in Norfolk at the University of East Anglia. She is passionate about connecting with people and breaking down barriers, which is why she is studying languages and humanities, including a module in British Sign Language. Holly was one of the first young people to be selected as a National Youth Voice Ambassador for Ingeus and has been in her role for two years. Holly discovered Ingeus as a teenager when she joined a National Citizen Service (NCS) residential in Cornwall and experienced a life-changing sense of camaraderie and kinship. 

“It was a really meaningful experience and I was so grateful,” says Holly. “I spent my time surfing, coasteering and climbing walls. It was really good fun but definitely a challenge for me with my disability. Everyone was so helpful and supportive though, which made me want to give something back to the NCS.” After joining the Regional Youth Board for NCS graduates, Holly was invited to apply to be a National Youth Voice Ambassador. 

Causes close to Holly’s heart include disability awareness, homelessness prevention and being an advocate for mental health. She recently trained as a mental health first aider with other Youth Voice ambassadors and is planning a social action project which will involve a talent showcase and fundraising activities for a disability charity. As an ambassador, Holly attends meetings across the country and creates promotional films for the NCS. She has given talks to young people on NCS programmes about the importance of being yourself. “I have spoken at two panels now and it was really rewarding, I had people coming up afterwards asking how they could get involved with Youth Voice,” says Holly. 

Thanks to her work with Youth Voice, Holly has become a Disability Ambassador at university, giving talks and presentations on open days. She is also on the committee of the Disabled Students’ Society. “This all happened because I gained confidence through Youth Voice,” says Holly. “I used to be terrible at giving presentations but I’ve pushed myself out of my comfort zone.” One of her proudest moments was giving a presentation to 3,000 people at an NCS graduation party in Bournemouth, despite finding it ‘absolutely terrifying’! 

Holly adds: “I really appreciate being able to work with Youth Voice because it is something I can do despite my disability. I can be exhausted after meetings but the feeling of being able to go and take part is liberating. Youth Voice is a part of me that is not determined by surgeries. I’m a people person and I’m passionate about connecting with people and finding what motivates them. It’s really exciting.”