Youth Advisory Panel

Our Youth Advisory Panel is made up of young people aged 16-25 who have experienced crises and financial hardship. The Panel plays a core role in our co-production work.

To help us become more accountable to the children and young people we support, in 2024 we worked with 12 young people who had received our grants to create our Youth Advisory Panel. This group helped us to create the model, aim and remit of the Panel, recruit our first Panel members and plan their induction.

The aim of the Youth Advisory Panel is to increase Buttle UK’s impact and reach by using their experiences to create meaningful change in the charity and wider society. This includes:

  • Participating in the governance of Buttle UK, scrutinising our decisions and holding us accountable.
  • Collaborating with staff to help Buttle become more ethical and efficient in its grant making.
  • Ensuring Buttle UK’s staff and trustees understand young people’s experiences so they can perform their best in their roles.
  • Helping Buttle UK to raise awareness of its grants and work so more people can benefit from our support.
  • Sharing new and different perspectives on issues relating to Buttle UK’s work, both in the charity and with external stakeholders.
  • Giving young people the opportunity to have their say and be involved in the organisation at all levels.

Our Youth Advisory Panel members meet regularly to discuss issues that are important to them and Buttle UK, and help us develop and improve how we work.

Meet some of our Youth Advisory Panel members below.

Alaa

I am 17 years old and in my second year of college. I am studying for a Health and Social Care Level 3 diploma. I live in Birmingham and my hobby is doing henna. I also have a pet cat.

I joined Buttle UK’s Youth Advisory Panel because I want to make a difference for the youth. I’m looking forward to meeting new people and gaining new skills.

Khadijah

I’m 16 years old and I live in Birmingham. I have recently joined sixth form and so far enjoy the journey I’ve embarked on. I like to sing songs, dance, write lyrics and read books in my free time. I even exercise every morning which has given me a great sense of discipline and accomplishment. I volunteer at my local library every Saturday which is quite rewarding. My favourite book is One Dark Window, a gothic fantasy, and I’m watching Criminal Minds right now which is so much fun.

Being able to advocate for the youth in my community is a great honour. Many people have financial difficulties and, as children, we want our voices heard in such matters. I also wished to socialise with other people my age and extend my perspective and open mindedness.

I’m looking forward to interacting with other adolescents my age and older/younger as well as having mature discussions with adults. I hope to understand more about the grants given by Buttle UK and how they are given so that I can give awareness to other people who are struggling.

Elouise

I’m a 22-year-old from Liverpool studying dentistry at University of Liverpool. I enjoy weightlifting and baking gluten free treats (as I’m coeliac and the ones in the shops are NOT good).

I received a Buttle UK grant 2 years ago and with my funding I purchased a baking set and a gym membership. Now I love to bake and to go to the gym! Before, I didn't really have any hobbies but Buttle UK really helped with my mental and social health during my first year of university. I wanted to be part of an organisation that really benefitted me and help to benefit others.

I’m excited to do some travelling to do the in-person meets and to see what real changes we can make on the Panel.

Dima

Hello! My name's Dima and I am an 18-year-old undergraduate student at Aberystwyth University. I'm currently studying Software Engineering and I am really passionate about computer systems and IT in general. I am also a pianist. I have spent 9 years of my life playing piano: I spent the first 6 years studying at music school in Ukraine and after I graduated with excellence, the war came to my country and I came to the UK. After that, my sixth form music teacher helped me to apply for a place in a part-time 2-year Piano Music Performance course at Birmingham Royal Conservatoire. Along with studying in sixth form and conservatoire, I also volunteer with many different local charities! I have a little yorkie dog called Sonic. I named him this because when he runs he is as fast as Sonic :) ! I love watching old 60-80s films of Italian, Russian, Ukrainian, American producers and I love reading books about history, politics, music.

Throughout my entire life I always wanted to support and help people. Participation in Buttle UK's Youth Advisory Panel is a great opportunity to support my willingness to help young people and to feel that you contribute to this world positively and you make changes that will make this world better for everybody!

Deborah

Hello my name is Deborah. I am 19 and studying med with a foundation year at Sheffield! I have many hobbies in the form of musical instruments, but alongside that I have a love for crocheting and true crime (a duo that goes very well together).

I worked with Buttle on some projects previously, and I loved the chance that it gave me to not only meet other young people, but also to give back to a charity that allowed me to be where I currently am today! It's so amazing to be able to contribute to that potentially life altering change for a person and know that I'm doing something for the greater good.

I am so excited to be a part of this panel, and can't wait to see what it has in store for me!

Lottie

I’m 20 years old from Warwickshire. I have a nearly 3-year-old little girl. I enjoy working in the charity industry and my favourite series at the moment is Married at First Sight!

I wanted to join Buttle’s panel to make a difference for my daughter and to let my voice be heard. I’m looking forward to working with new people and getting more involved with Buttle UK.